“You’ll see much cleaner river in 2-3 yrs” | Delhi News – The Times of India

Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who joined BJP in 2021, represents Rajouri Garden in the assembly. He holds the important portfolio of environment besides industry, and food and supplies in the new govt. He spoke to Priyangi Agarwal about BJP’s manifesto promise of cleaning Yamuna, and promised less toxic air next winter.
Delhi govt has pledged to clean up Yamuna in a time-bound manner and also develop the riverfront. What steps have been taken so far to achieve this goal?
It is a four-pronged approach. First, we will stop untreated sewage coming from Delhi and Haryana into the Yamuna and ensure it is treated at STPs. Secondly, we are working on increasing the level of dissolved oxygen in the river. Thirdly, efforts are being made to stop external waste (industrial effluents) from entering the river. It comes from two sources – Delhi and a small amount from Haryana. The Haryana CM has ordered that this should not happen and we are working on it in Delhi as well. Besides, we are starting work on developing the riverfront to make it a tourism hub. All this will be done in phases and you will see major visible changes in the next two-three years.
How is govt planning to increase the level of dissolved oxygen?
Until the sludge at the bottom is removed, oxygen levels cannot be boosted in the water which becomes lifeless. Therefore, it is essential to first remove the sludge.
With BJP govts in place, have you started talking to the neighbouring states on this issue?
Haryana’s role is quite minimal. Ninety per cent of the water that comes from there is mostly clean. However, there are some factories in a half-a-kilometre area. The chief minister of Haryana has given clear instructions in this regard. Delhi has to play a major role, and we are fulfilling our part.
Delhi’s toxic air has been making global headlines. Every time the govt wakes up just when the winter is round the corner and takes refuge in GRAP which is just an emergency response. What concrete steps are being taken to ensure that the next winter is much better than the previous one?
It is our focus area and we are doing a lot of work. The main task is to ensure that the dust particles remain settled and do not rise. We are concentrating heavily on water sprinklers and mechanical sweeping for this and also trying to cover areas on roadsides with greenery. These schemes align with the Central Govt’s initiatives and we will prepare estimates to obtain funds from them. We are also giving attention to construction sites.
When can Delhi residents realistically expect to breathe clean air? Which are the main sources of air pollution that the govt is focusing on?
Delhiites will experience better air quality in the next two to three years compared to what they have been inhaling for the past 10 years. It is an ongoing process and you will see much cleaner air as compared to the last few years.
We are working on numerous aspects. Our govt is focusing on bringing a large number of e-vehicles. We will provide the necessary infrastructure, like charging stations, for this. Additionally, many industries have legally left Delhi but exist illegally. We are identifying these polluting industries and will take action. Within the industrial areas, we are working on ensuring clean, fuel-powered generators.
What concrete steps are being taken to address the challenges of an overcrowded metro system and inadequate bus services and last-mile connectivity to reduce vehicular pollution?
Last-mile connectivity is the responsibility of the transport department and the chief minister has held meetings to discuss what needs to be done. It includes ensuring that the number of buses is adequate. The CM has instructed us to plan an AI-based system to determine where and when buses are required and how many people are boarding and alighting. We can accordingly assess the capacity of the buses. If a route is overcrowded, we can increase the frequency of buses. Gadgets will be installed to inform passengers about the arrival time of buses at stations. If passengers know a bus is arriving in two minutes, they can wait.
It is widely recognised now that without focusing on the airshed – that’s the extended area of NCR – Delhi cannot get any relief? Have you initiated discussions with the neighbouring states and received any commitments?
Right now, we are working on fixing our own problems. After we have set our own house in order, we will inform the states about our actions and ask them to support us.
In a city gasping for air, five trees are cut every hour. How does Delhi govt plan to increase the tree cover?
In our campaign called “One Tree in Mother’s Name”, Delhi will be at the forefront if we consider the number of trees planted as per Delhi’s area. We aim to involve schools, colleges, RWAs, industry associations and market bodies to promote this initiative and align with the Prime Minister’s vision of LiFE (Lifestyle For Environment). Our goal is to plant 7 lakh trees this monsoon and engage at least 3 to 4 lakh residents of Delhi in this effort. Without public involvement, the significance of planting trees is not fully realized. Therefore, we are raising public awareness through campaigns in schools and colleges, aiming to significantly enhance the green cover in Delhi.
Considering the low survival rates of transplanted trees, will the existing tree transplantation policy be revised or replaced?
There are strict directions from the govt and Supreme Court that if you want to cut a single tree, you need to get permission from the high court. Therefore, there isn’t much scope for any changes. We have limited power in this matter.
One of the major problems faced by the city residents is getting permission for tree pruning. Since Delhi High Court ordered that no pruning can take place anywhere in the city until the forest department works out a mechanism to track whether the pruning was in compliance with what was approved, how will the govt break this deadlock?
We are working on preparing guidelines as directed by the court. It will ensure that the common man will be able to determine on his own if a tree can be pruned or not. No tree should be felled and that should be a rarest of rare event. We might have to compromise if there’s an emergency or a crucial project is getting stalled. Being a farmer’s son, I am inclined towards planting trees.
A report by Wetland Authority of Delhi has said that out of 1,045 waterbodies identified through revenue records, only 631 could be detected. Besides, out of 322 waterbodies identified through satellite imagery, only 43 were found. How will the govt address encroachments and revive these vital ecosystems?
Most of the waterbodies are encroached upon. I have sought a report on how many waterbodies have been freed from encroachments. We recently had a meeting with the LG on this. He has done significant work on this issue and has restored many waterbodies. Once we receive the report, we will make efforts to restore them.