Delhi Prepares Seven-Month Awareness Plan to Fight Pollution

New Delhi has formulated a seven-month Information, Education and Communication action plan aimed at raising public awareness regarding air pollution and its causes across the capital.

The initiative follows directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management. The commission found that personnel across several public agencies were unaware of how their regular duties could help curb pollution, including the specific impacts of unpaved surfaces and waste.

According to an official, staff in multiple departments had not been adequately briefed that potholed roads and garbage dumps actively contribute to air pollution.

Under the new action plan, authorities will organize workshops for vehicle owners, commercial operators, students, and residents. These sessions will focus on the hazards of using end-of-life vehicles, the importance of reducing engine idling, adhering to lane discipline, proper parking practices, and maintaining timely vehicle servicing schedules.

In addition, seminars will be organized for road-owning agencies. These sessions will cover scientific methods for managing road dust, executing prompt road repairs, and carrying out redevelopment works.

Delhi has scheduled monthly workshops, community outreach programmes, social media campaigns, radio jingles, and specialized training sessions to run from September 2026 through March 2027.

Neighbouring states, including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, have also prepared coordinated awareness plans. These regional frameworks cover key pollution sources such as industrial emissions, diesel generator sets, road dust, construction and demolition activities, municipal solid waste management, agricultural residue burning, thermal power plants, and vehicular pollution.