Delhi CM calls for a common NCR strategy to curb pollution
New Delhi, June 16
Attending the 42nd meeting of the National Capital Region Planning Board, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday said that all states associated with the National Capital Region must work together to curb pollution and expand green cover.
She pressed for sustained, serious efforts to ensure holistic, balanced development and to provide better facilities for residents.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the rising pollution in the NCR, describing it as a serious, shared challenge. She said all four states would need to undertake concrete, long-term efforts together to address the problem effectively.
She said that if all states adopt a common policy and coordinate modern technology and appropriate pollution-control resources, the problem can be tackled more effectively.
She said expanding green cover is crucial not only for the present generation but also for the health and future of generations to come.
She said the pace of regional development can be accelerated only through a coordinated approach that enables the benefits of growth to reach every part of the NCR.
The NCRPB meeting, chaired by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal, was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and senior representatives from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Delhi Chief Minister Gupta said all NCR states must work together to provide adequate, high-quality services to people across the NCR, ensuring balanced development and an improved quality of life for citizens.
She said the Delhi government continues to prioritise the expansion of public facilities and development works. Similarly, other NCR states must also make serious efforts towards development so that the growing population pressure on Delhi can be reduced and regional balance can be achieved.
The meeting featured detailed discussions on strengthening institutional coordination among Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan; improving regional transport and connectivity; accelerating the implementation of development projects; and addressing other key issues related to the NCR.
Chief Minister Gupta said it is encouraging that transport and connectivity infrastructure across the NCR is expanding continuously, making travel more convenient for people. She stressed that all states must continue working together to ensure that no part of the NCR remains deprived of better connectivity.
The Chief Minister said that, apart from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan currently have like-minded governments that are working in better coordination and giving priority to public welfare, state interests and development.
As a result, the implementation of various development schemes has gathered pace and coordination among the states has become more effective than before. The common priority of all four states, she said, is the overall development of the NCR and the provision of better facilities for its residents.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is exactly what we needed. As someone who commutes from Noida to Delhi daily, the pollution is killing us. But I have to say, words are cheap—show us the implementation plan. Expanding green cover is great, but what about stopping stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana? That's the real culprit.
Good to hear about cooperation, but I wonder how serious the states are. Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have their own priorities. The 'common policy' sounds nice, but without strict enforcement and accountability, it's just another meeting outcome. Let's hope the winter doesn't catch us unprepared again.
As a Gurugram resident, I can't stress enough how bad air quality gets. The Chief Minister's point about reducing population pressure on Delhi is spot-on. If NCR cities get better infrastructure and jobs, people won't flock to Delhi. But will the state governments actually invest? 🤔
I appreciate the focus on 'sustained, serious efforts' but we've heard this before. The real test will be in October when Diwali and stubble burning coincide. I hope the CM means business this time. Expanding green cover is important, but we also need strict action against industries that flout norms. Let's see results, not just statements.
Common NCR strategy is long overdue! But I have to disagree with the CM's claim that all states have 'like-minded governments' working in coordination. Just look at the differing stances on Delhi's odd-even scheme and vehicle entry restrictions. True cooperation means everyone making unpopular but necessary decisions. Bhagwan kare kuch sahi ho! 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.