After Indian meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heatwave warning for Delhi, Environment minister Gopal Rai announced a ‘Summer Action Plan,’ to counter and combat the growing concern, outlining direct and stern measures to prevent dust pollution, open burning and industrial pollution. 

Rai and other senior officials have identified 12 key points for action, bifurcating these factions towards different departments for handling. Among these 12 points, a significant emphasis has been put on tree plantation and lake development. This plan is set to be implemented from June 15, involving 30 departments who are going to work in unison to be able to tackle this issue effectively. 

It’s tree plantation drive will see a concentrated effort from June 15 to September 15 to increase the city’s green cover. This initiative is crucial, considering the role of trees in purifying the air, providing shade and reducing the urban heat island effect. Trees tide in the increasingly warming weather, the more the trees the better. The Forest Department will lead this change, with a special meeting planned on June 18 to discuss the campaign in detail. 

In addition to this tree plantation drive, the plan also includes a Tree Plantation Policy aimed at ensuring that the transplanted trees also face a higher survival rate. A team dedicated to this particular fraction will monitor these efforts. 

Dust pollution, another significant contributor to the poor air quality in Delhi, is another focal point of the action plan. An anti-dust campaign will run from June 15 to June 30, deploying Mechanical Road Sweeping machines and water sprinklers to keep dust levels in check. Thirteen active pollution hotspots have been identified throughout the city, and this campaign will be effective targeting these places to counter the problem of dust pollution. 

Open burning of garbage is also an issue that must be mitigated. This will be curtailed through vigilant patrolling of 573 teams who will work around the clock to prevent fires at landfill sites and other areas prone to open burning. Industrial pollution, also often overlooked, will be addressed by 33 teams tasked with monitoring illegal dumping of industrial waste. This team will aim at preventing contamination of soil and water bodies which indirectly affects air quality as water— the natural purifier— is contaminated in itself. 

The development of city forests is another innovative measure proposed in the plan. Three new forests within city limits will not only be a home to biodiversity but also serve as a green escape for the city’s residents. Existing city forests will be upgraded with trails, cycle tracks and bird-watching decks, making these places accessible and enjoyable, a more eco-friendly past time than any gedi, an activity involving long drives that Delhi youth often resort to. 

The development of lakes, ponds and water bodies will also play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the city and providing recreational spaces for the public.

Some departments will also be assorted to monitor the management and disposal of municipal solid waste. Bio-mining has been proposed at three dumping sites. 

Alongside this, dialogue will also be initiated with the neighbouring states as pollution is a nation-wide problem and solving the problem in one state wouldn’t facilitate the kind of change that is the need of the hour. The government will be in contact with neighbouring states to create a joint action plan to control pollution. 

Lastly, the role of the youth is instrumental in the plan’s success. Eco clubs in schools and colleges will run awareness campaigns, with a core team of teachers leading the initiative. This will further highlight the importance of saving the environment among students, who will be the ones saving our future.