Delhi Government Plans Carpooling App, Tighter Vehicle Rules to Fight Severe Air Pollution

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Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday announced several new measures to combat worsening air quality in the national capital. Among the key initiatives is a government-backed carpooling app aimed at reducing vehicular emissions. “Delhi government plans to launch its own carpooling app to curb vehicular pollution,” Sirsa said, stressing the urgent need for public cooperation to improve the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI).

Funding and Infrastructure Plans


The government has allocated Rs. 2,700 crore over the next decade for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to procure mechanical road sweepers and litter pickers. The target of these measures is to decrease dust-induced pollution and improve the cleanliness of the city. Sirsa confirmed that a monitoring of potholes will be done by an independent agency, and also a new Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) system will be put into place for stricter compliance, which will be of great help.

Strict Vehicle and Construction Regulations


Sirsa outlined strict measures to limit vehicular pollution. “From tomorrow, vehicles without PUCC will not receive fuel. Only vehicles using clean fuel and BS-VI standards coming from outside Delhi will be allowed to enter the capital,” he said. 

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A complete ban on trucks carrying construction materials is also in effect, alongside the continuation of 50 percent mandatory work-from-home rules. Compensation of Rs 10,000 will be provided to laborers affected by the construction halt.

Air Quality and Public Advisory


Dense smog continued to blanket the city, with Delhi’s AQI hovering around 350, and several areas, including Jahangirpuri and Mundka, recorded ‘severe’ pollution. Air travel has been affected by visibility disruptions, leading to multiple flights being cancelled. 

Authorities recommended that residents restrict outdoor activities, take public transportation, and comply with the government's orders, saying that the air quality will remain hazardous in the coming days.

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Political Context and Accountability


Addressing criticism, Sirsa stated, “It is impossible for any elected government to reduce AQI in 9-10 months. I apologise for the pollution in Delhi. We are doing better work than the dishonest AAP government, and we have reduced AQI each day. This disease of pollution is given to us by the Aam Aadmi Party, and we are working to fix it.” The minister emphasized collaboration between the government and citizens as key to reducing emissions and making Delhi cleaner.

Coordinated Efforts Needed for Long-Term Improvement


The launch of the carpooling app, coupled with imposing stricter regulations on vehicles and construction, has taken a multi-faceted route to address the problem of pollution. Although there might not be noticeable impacts right away, these measures can be considered as a stronger enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Air quality in Delhi will depend on the compliance of citizens, technology adoption, and cooperation among the states, according to experts.