Delhi govt sets up 24×7 ‘Green War Room’ to tackle winter pollution

The Delhi government has launched a 24×7 ‘Green War Room’ to enhance the implementation of its 21-point winter action plan aimed at reducing pollution in the city, according to Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday.

During a press conference, Rai explained that the war room would be operated by a team of eight environmental experts and assigned seven core tasks.

One of the new responsibilities this year includes analysing drone mapping and conducting real-time source apportionment studies, Rai said.

“The war room will also review satellite data on stubble burning, alongside information from 13 identified pollution hotspots,” the minister said.

Additionally, the war room will monitor AQI (Air Quality Index) levels and assess data from 24 pollution monitoring stations operated by the Delhi government, he added.

On the topic of artificial rain as a pollution control measure, Rai mentioned that he would again seek permission from the central government, as his earlier request had not been addressed.

Also Read: Delhi pollution | Artificial rain, smog towers a waste of public funds: Experts

On September 1, Rai asked the Centre to allow artificial rain during the winter months, a period when Delhi’s air quality often deteriorates significantly.

Rai also appealed to Delhi residents to participate in the fight against pollution by using the Green Delhi App, urging them to upload photos of pollution-causing activities.

“I urge the people of Delhi to report any incidents that may cause pollution by uploading images through the app,” he added.

Earlier, on September 25, Rai introduced the city’s Winter Action Plan, which includes 21 focus areas such as drone surveillance, a strengthened anti-dust campaign, the creation of task forces, road-cleaning machines, and the deployment of 200 mobile anti-smog guns. The plan operates under the theme “Mil Kar Chale, Pradushan Se Lade” (Let’s fight pollution together).