NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Delhi government is taking proactive steps to combat winter air pollution by distributing electric heaters. This initiative targets resident welfare associations, forest guards, and unorganized workers who typically rely on open burning. The program uses corporate social responsibility funds to provide practical solutions instead of just prohibitions. This effort is part of Delhi's broader year-round strategy to improve air quality and public health.

Key Points: Delhi Distributes 3000 Electric Heaters to Curb Winter Air Pollution

  • Delhi distributes 3000 heaters to prevent open biomass burning
  • Targets RWAs, forest guards and unorganized workers
  • Uses Rs 4.2 crore CSR funds from DSIIDC
  • Part of comprehensive year-round anti-pollution strategy
  • Includes waste management and landfill biomining efforts
  • Aims to protect both environment and public health
3 min read

Winter air pollution: Delhi govt to distribute 3,000 electric heaters to curb open burning

Delhi government provides electric heaters to RWAs and workers to prevent open biomass burning during winter, part of comprehensive anti-pollution strategy.

"Instead of just issuing advisories and prohibitions, our government is intervening with real solutions - Manjinder Singh Sirsa"

New Delhi, Sep 12

Aiming to fight winter air pollution, the Delhi government on Friday decided to provide electric heaters to over 3,000 Resident Welfare Associations, forest guards, and unorganised industrial workers who rely on open burning of biomass.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said: “This is a landmark moment for Delhi. Instead of just issuing advisories and prohibitions, our government is intervening with real solutions that touch the lives of thousands.”

He said: “We are providing heaters so that people don’t have to burn biomass or waste, helping both the environment and public health. This campaign is about stopping open fires and it is about supporting every citizen in Delhi through effective leadership and compassion.”

Sirsa added: “The Delhi government’s resolve is to protect life while improving air quality. We are not only monitoring and enforcing, but also enabling and empowering —from providing heaters to workers, to modernizing waste management. Our goal is clean air, safety, and dignity for all.”

On Friday, in a high-level virtual meeting, the Divisional Commissioner, senior officials from DSIIDC, Environment Department, and DPCC joined hands to chart out a robust, transparent mechanism for assessing and addressing the needs of RWAs across Delhi, said an official statement.

The Minister directed Divisional Commissioner to carry out a fresh assessment of all RWAs to ensure wide and fair distribution of electric heaters to their night watchmen ahead of the winter season.

The DSIIDC will utilise around Rs 4.2 crore from its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to acquire the heaters, with direct implementation overseen by the Divisional Commissioner’s office.

The Environment Department will carry out ongoing monitoring as part of this mission. The government will prioritise RWAs, forest guards, and workers in unorganised industrial areas, taking proactive steps so no one needs to resort to polluting practices for winter comfort, said the statement.

Sirsa said this initiative is embedded within Delhi’s comprehensive, year-round anti-pollution strategy — a multi-tiered approach that includes strict vigilance against open burning, daily inspection teams, robust reporting, and awareness campaigns.

In addition to the heater distribution, the Delhi government continues its ambitious waste management drive, including biomining at landfills and expansion of waste-to-energy plants, with a focus on achieving 100 per cent waste processing and preventing fire incidents at dumping sites — all of which contribute to cleaner air and a safer environment for millions.

As of mid-2025, agencies have intensified biomining operations at Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla, processing over 10,000 tonnes of daily waste and reducing methane emissions through scientific excavation and segregation, with new directives mandating quarterly fire drills, CCTV installations, and gas detectors to ensure no incidents occur, the statement noted.

This year alone, these initiatives have prevented any major fire outbreaks, supporting the city’s goal of achieving 100 per cent waste processing and minimising environmental hazards, said the statement.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
But only 3000 heaters? Delhi has thousands of RWAs and lakhs of workers. Hope this is just the beginning and more will be distributed. The intention is good but scale needs to increase.
A
Arjun K
Great step! Our society's security guards burn wood every winter because they can't afford heaters. This will make a real difference in their lives and our air quality. Hope implementation is smooth 🤞
M
Michael C
As someone who's lived in Delhi for 5 years, the winter smog is unbearable. Addressing root causes like open burning is exactly what's needed. Hope other states follow Delhi's example!
S
Shreya B
What about the electricity bills? Many guards and workers can't afford high power costs. Government should also provide some subsidy on electricity for these heaters. Otherwise the solution is incomplete.
K
Karthik V
Good to see CSR funds being used for actual social good! 4.2 crores well spent if it prevents pollution and helps underprivileged workers. More companies should contribute to such initiatives.
N
Neha E
Hope the distribution is fair and transparent. Often such schemes benefit only certain areas. Forest guards and industrial workers really need this - they work in extreme conditions ❄️

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50