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Delhi CM's Pollution Battle: Why She Won't Run Like Kejriwal Did

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has drawn a sharp contrast with her predecessor's approach to the city's annual pollution crisis. She directly criticised Arvind Kejriwal for his pattern of leaving Delhi for Vipassana meditation retreats during peak pollution seasons. Gupta emphasised her government's commitment to finding solutions by staying and working within the city. She also detailed new funding and practical measures, like road sweepers and a biogas plant, to tackle the problem.

Key Points: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Slams Kejriwal Vipassana Trips Amid Pollution

  • CM Rekha Gupta pledges to stay and solve Delhi's pollution crisis from within the city
  • She criticises former CM Arvind Kejriwal for habitual Vipassana retreats during pollution peaks
  • The government has allocated Rs 800 crore extra to MCD for strengthening cleaning systems
  • New measures include 70 road sweepers, a biogas plant, and a strict Rs 5000 fine for open burning
2 min read

'I won't run away but fight': Delhi CM on Kejriwal's Vipassana visits during pollution

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta vows to fight pollution from Delhi, criticising ex-CM Kejriwal for leaving the city for Vipassana retreats during crises.

"We are not like them who abandon Delhi to its fate and run off for Vipassana every 6 months. - CM Rekha Gupta"

New Delhi, Dec 14

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday reassured people of the government’s earnest, ongoing efforts to fight pollution and hit out at former CM Arvind Kejriwal, who used to leave people to their fate and escape to other cities for Vipassana every six months.

“We are collectively fighting this battle. “We are not like them who abandon Delhi to its fate and run off for Vipassana every 6 months,” said CM Gupta, in a post on X.

“My Delhi, My Responsibility — we are working with this sentiment. The problem is here too, and the solution will also emerge from here...for Delhi, by staying in Delhi. Short-term and long-term measures are being taken for pollution control,” she said.

We are finding solutions to the pollution problem in Delhi by living in Delhi itself, she said, adding, “If the public is suffering, so are our family members. So, we have to collectively take steps to end pollution at its root.”

She said the Delhi government has ensured that there will be no shortage of resources in this fight against pollution, but negligence in work will not be tolerated.

She said 70 road sweeping machines have been provided to MCD and, additionally, 1000-litre pickers are being installed in Assembly constituencies and super suckers in every ward.

“Full funding has been provided for all of these. To strengthen the cleaning system, MCD has been given an additional Rs 500 crore, and an extra grant of Rs 300 crore has been permanently added,” the CM said.

She said 50 shuttle parking facilities will be developed. “The Delhi government will provide the funds so that roadside parking reduces, traffic improves, and pollution decreases,” she said.

Chief Minister Gupta said that the 311 app is being made fully accountable. Systematic work is underway on improving drains and roads.

“There is a zero-tolerance policy on open burning, with fines up to Rs 5,000. For the first time in the city, a biogas plant has been started, which will manage 1,500 metric tons of cow dung daily,” she added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the commitment to stay and fight, the political blame game is getting old. We need less talk about the previous CM and more visible action. The 311 app accountability is a good step if it actually works. Let's see results on the ground.
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Aditya G
Throwing money at MCD is not a solution. We've seen funds disappear before. What about the root causes? Stubble burning in neighboring states? Vehicle emissions? The biogas plant is a positive move, but this feels like treating symptoms, not the disease. 🤔
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Priya S
"My Delhi, My Responsibility" – I love this sentiment! It's about time we had leadership that takes ownership. The zero-tolerance policy on open burning with a Rs. 5000 fine is strict but necessary. Hope it's enforced properly.
M
Michael C
As someone who moved here for work, the pollution is a major health concern. I'm cautiously optimistic. The shuttle parking facilities could really ease traffic if implemented well. But the proof will be in the air quality readings next winter.
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Kavya N
All these announcements sound good on paper. We hear big numbers – 500 crore, 300 crore, 70 machines. But will the sweepers actually work? Will the drains be cleaned? We need transparency. Show us the work, don't just tell us.
V

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