Rekha Gupta asks officials to identify causes of traffic jams at key stretches; gives the task of desilting drains ahead of the monsoon to the Flood and Irrigation Department; says feedback about the qualityof work will be sought from residents

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday announced a campaign to control air pollution, which includes making city roads dust-free, planting trees along the road dividers, and reducing traffic congestion.

“With the development of green belts along roads, dust control with modern techniques, and strengthening public transport, the government is ready to give Delhi residents a clean, healthy, and green future. MCD, PWD, DDA, and other agencies concerned have been instructed to plant trees along roadsides and central verges,” said the CM in an official statement.

The Chief Minister said strict enforcement of dust control measures at construction sites will be ensured. “The government has also ordered an intensive pollution check to ensure that all vehicles meet the pollution norms,” said Ms. Gupta.

Reducing air pollution was one of the promises made by the BJP in the run-up to the Assembly poll. 

Ms. Gupta said all departments concerned have been instructed to identify the cause of traffic jams and seek help from Delhi Traffic Police for the same. “Improved traffic management systems will be installed at major junctions,” she said.

The CM added that the government is considering undertaking DTC bus route rationalisation to make public buses run more efficiently.

Under this, frequency will be increased on routes with high demand and bus services will be made available in every area.

Inspection of drains

On Sunday, Ms. Gupta inspected major drains in the city and directed officials to complete desilting work before the monsoon. She said the drainage system was in “poor condition” and blamed the previous AAP government for it.

“Lack of coordination among agencies was the key reason for waterlogging. The government has assigned the Flood and Irrigation Department the responsibility of ensuring the timely desilting of drains,” she said.

The CM added that feedback will be collected from residents on the quality of the desilting work.