Can we end Delhi’s Pollution struggle with EV and dust control push?

Introduction:

Is Delhi finally turning the tide in its battle against pollution?
Every winter, Delhi turns into a gas chamber. With AQI levels often exceeding the “severe” mark, the National Capital Region has long struggled with air pollution as a public health emergency. But now, the capital is not just talking solutions — it’s implementing them.

At Urban Adda 2025, a premier platform for smart urban policy discussions, Delhi’s aggressive push for electric vehicles (EVs) and dust control measures took centre stage — and for good reason. This blog explores how these initiatives are shaping the tone for a cleaner, greener future.

Why Pollution Control in Delhi is a National Priority

• Delhi ranks among the top 10 most polluted cities globally.

• Pollution contributes to 1 in 8 deaths in India, as per a Lancet Commission report.

Pollution is no longer just an environmental issue — it’s a health, governance, and urban planning crisis. That’s why initiatives discussed at Urban Adda 2025 are more than just policies — they’re lifelines.

Delhi’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Drive: Leading the Charge

1. Aggressive EV Policy Framework

   • Delhi’s EV Policy 2020 aimed to ensure 25% of new vehicles are electric by 2024.

   • Incentives include ₹1.5 lakh subsidies for electric cars and scrapping incentives for old diesel vehicles.

2. Charging Infrastructure Expansion

   • Over 4,500 EV charging points now exist across Delhi.

   • Public-private partnerships with companies like Tata Power and Statiq are scaling fast-charging stations across metro stations, malls, and highways.

3. E-Auto Revolution

   • More than 90,000 e-rickshaws and e-autos now operate in Delhi, reducing dependency on petrol/diesel three-wheelers.

   • Women drivers are being trained and incentivised to operate e-autos, combining clean transport with empowerment.

4. Fleet Electrification

   • Major cab aggregators like Ola, Uber, and BluSmart are under policy pressure to switch to electric fleets by 2030.

   • BluSmart has already deployed over 6,000 EV taxis in Delhi-NCR, offering a completely green ride-hailing experience.

5. EV Push in Last-Mile Delivery

   • Companies like Zomato, Swiggy, and Amazon are switching to e-scooters for deliveries in Delhi to align with carbon-neutral goals.

Real Example:
BluSmart’s EV taxi service recently received ₹100 crore in funding to expand its EV fleet in Delhi. Their app now showcases CO₂ savings with every ride, helping customers make greener choices.

Dust Control: Tackling Delhi’s Silent Polluter

While tailpipe emissions draw attention, road and construction dust accounts for over 38% of Delhi’s air pollution, according to CPCB.

1. Smog Guns and Anti-Smog Towers

   • Over 1,200 construction sites now require smog guns as mandatory equipment.

   • The Connaught Place Anti-Smog Tower, operational since 2023, filters 1,000 cubic meters of air per second.

2. Mechanical Road Sweeping

   • 80% of Delhi’s main roads are now cleaned using mechanical vacuum sweepers, reducing the dust re-suspension by 60%.

3. Green Netting and Site Regulations

   • The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) mandates green fencing and real-time air monitoring at all construction sites over 20,000 sq ft.

4. Tree Plantation & Urban Forests

   • Delhi has created urban micro-forests in degraded lands (like the Yamuna floodplain) using the Miyawaki method, enhancing green cover and reducing airborne dust.

Real Example:
At the Pragati Maidan redevelopment project, real-time dust monitoring and mandatory water sprinklers led to a 30% drop in PM10 levels during the 2024-25 construction phase.

Urban Adda 2025: A Platform for Scalable Solutions

Urban Adda 2025 brought together planners, policymakers, environmentalists, and startups, focusing on:

• Scalable urban mobility solutions

• Public-private collaboration

• Real-time data monitoring using IoT & AI

• Citizen engagement through awareness campaigns like #GreenDelhiChallenge

The Delhi Government and the Urban Development Ministry jointly announced a ‘Clean Air Cities’ fellowship to empower 100 urban fellows working on pollution reduction in Indian cities.

Conclusion: Trust in the Transformation

Delhi’s war on pollution is no longer a concept — it’s in motion. From EV adoption to dust mitigation, the city is setting a precedent. The efforts shared at Urban Adda 2025 are not just a showcase but a scalable model for Indian cities to follow.

The air may not be clear yet, but the vision certainly is.