Delhi government to launch a carpooling app, revamp PUCC system, and partner with Google Maps to track pollution hotspots. Rs 2,700 crore allocated for street sweepers and waste management.

The Delhi government is set to revamp the Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) system and introduce third-party monitoring to improve air quality in the city. In a bid to reduce traffic congestion, a carpooling app will be developed for residents, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will receive Rs 2,700 crore over 10 years for the procurement of mechanical street sweepers and waste collection machines.

Focus on Carpooling and Road Maintenance

Speaking at a press conference at the Delhi Secretariat, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced that a user-friendly carpooling application is in the works to encourage Delhiites to share rides, thereby reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads.

The Minister also revealed plans to appoint a third-party agency to monitor potholes citywide. The agency will conduct year-round surveys, document potholes with photographs, and submit reports to officials. A tender for this initiative has already been issued by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

Traffic Management and Technological Upgrades

Sirsa further stated that the Delhi government is collaborating with the Traffic Police to develop an Integrated Traffic Management System. The system will adjust traffic light durations based on real-time congestion, helping ease long traffic jams.

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To identify and tackle vehicular pollution, the government is partnering with Google Maps to locate traffic hotspots. While 13 pollution hotspots were identified during the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s tenure, the number has now increased to 62. The aim is to map 100 vehicular pollution hotspots for targeted intervention.

Tackling Pollution Sources

The Minister highlighted four major sources of pollution in Delhi: vehicular emissions, industrial activity, dust, and solid waste. The Public Works Department (PWD) is deploying 70 mechanical road sweepers and water sprinklers, along with around 1,000 waste-picking machines and 300 additional water sprinklers across the city. Delhi is also coordinating with neighboring states for a regional approach to air quality improvement.

Innovation and Public Transport Initiatives

In an effort to combat pollution, the government has signed an MoU with IIT Madras to develop and test “anti-smog” surfaces in select areas. Additionally, to promote public transport, the city is expanding its electric bus fleet, with 100 new buses to be flagged off by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

Political Allegations

Addressing pollution management challenges, Minister Sirsa accused AAP leaders of burning garbage deliberately to worsen pollution levels, urging them to avoid such practices for political gain.

With these initiatives, the Delhi government aims to improve air quality, modernize traffic management, and encourage sustainable urban mobility through technology and citizen participation.