Delhi Minister Sirsa directs induction of EVs in place of environment wing's diesel, petrol vehicles

IANS April 28, 2025 148 views

Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has launched an ambitious green transformation by ordering the Forest Department to replace all diesel and petrol vehicles with electric alternatives within 60 days. The initiative aims to minimize pollution in forest areas and protect wildlife while supporting broader environmental goals. As part of this strategy, the government has also prohibited non-electric vehicles from entering forest zones and allocated significant budget for environmental monitoring and biodiversity protection. This move reflects Delhi's commitment to creating a cleaner, more sustainable urban ecosystem under the leadership of PM Modi and CM Rekha Gupta.

"Delhi's forests deserve quiet, clean mobility -- not smoke and noise" - Manjinder Singh Sirsa
New Delhi, April 28: In a major green initiative, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa ordered the replacement of all diesel and petrol vehicles operated by the Forest Department with electric vehicles (EVs) within 60 days, an official said on Monday.

Key Points

1

Delhi mandates Forest Department vehicle electrification within 60 days

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Non-electric vehicles banned from forests and protected areas

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Rs 506 crore allocated for environmental initiatives

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70 lakh saplings to be planted across city

The Minister highlighted that his decision is linked to the urgent need to minimise pollution in forest areas and safeguard wildlife.

The Forest Department has been instructed to conduct a detailed vehicle study and submit a transition plan within seven days.

With immediate effect, the entry of all non-essential, non-electric vehicles — both government and private — into Delhi's forests and protected areas has been prohibited, the official added.

"Delhi's forests deserve quiet, clean mobility -- not smoke and noise," Minister Sirsa said.

This important move forms a part of a broader and strategic push by the Delhi government to combat pollution and enhance green infrastructure, he added.

"A greener Delhi with clean air is not a distant dream — it is our living commitment. By embracing clean technologies and nurturing our forests, we are shaping a healthier, stronger future for every citizen of Delhi," he said.

Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the able guidance of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi government is working relentlessly to build an environment-friendly and sustainable Delhi, he said.

As part of this commitment, Rs 506 crore has been allocated in the budget to the Environment and Forest Departments to strengthen environmental monitoring, implement pollution control projects, and protect biodiversity.

A massive greening initiative to plant around 70 lakh saplings across the city will also be undertaken, aimed at increasing Delhi's green cover, improving air quality, and promoting urban biodiversity, Minister Sirsa added.

He said that on May 2, Chief Minister Gupta will dedicate 400 new buses to the people of Delhi, ushering in an era of clean public mobility.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
Finally some concrete action! Our forests need this protection. The EV transition is long overdue for government vehicles. Hope other states follow Delhi's lead 👏
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Rahul S.
Good initiative but 60 days seems too ambitious. Does Delhi have enough charging infrastructure for all these EVs? The plan needs to be practical.
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Anjali M.
Love the focus on protecting wildlife habitats! The noise pollution from vehicles in forest areas is often overlooked. This will make such a difference 🦜🌿
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Vikram P.
While I appreciate the green initiative, I hope they're also working on proper disposal plans for the old vehicles. Sustainability means considering the entire lifecycle.
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Sunita R.
The 70 lakh saplings plan excites me more than the EVs! We need more green cover desperately. Hope they choose native species that actually thrive in Delhi's climate.
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Amit D.
Great move! Though I wonder - will there be exceptions for emergency vehicles? Some forest areas might still need petrol/diesel vehicles for rescue operations.

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Tags:
Electric Vehicles Delhi Environment Green Initiative Manjinder Singh Sirsa Forest Department Pollution Control
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