Health and Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh on Monday addressed a press conference detailing the Delhi Government’s multi-pronged and integrated approach to tackling air pollution, combining structural transport reforms with strengthened public health preparedness to safeguard citizens.
Highlighting the Transport Department’s crucial role, Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said that sustained policy action and strict enforcement are now translating into visible improvement on the ground. Areas that earlier witnessed frequent pollution spikes and near-emergency conditions are beginning to show signs of stabilisation due to continuous interventions.
Transport-related emissions contribute nearly 20–25 per cent of Delhi’s total pollution, making clean mobility a central pillar of the government’s strategy. The Hon’ble Minister pointed to a significant surge in electric vehicle adoption under the current government to curb pollution. While the previous year saw approximately 80,000 EV registrations, more than 1 lakh electric vehicles have already been registered in the last 10 months, with the year yet to conclude.
Transport Minister noted that gaps in subsidy implementation earlier had slowed adoption. Subsidies promised by previous governmnet for EV buyers were not delivered in a timely manner, limiting consumer confidence. He assured that the present government is bringing forward improved and people-centric EV policies that will further accelerate adoption and strengthen last-mile connectivity.
EV mobility in Public transport has also gathered momentum. Since the formation of the current government, 3,518 electric buses have been inducted into Delhi’s fleet. The government aims to increase this number to over 5,000 e-buses by March and beyond 7,000 by November 2026, marking a decisive shift towards sustainable mass mobility.
Over the last three days (17–19 December), Delhi Traffic Police, Transport Department and through ANPR camera-based enforcement issued 12,200 challans (3,752 on 17th, 4,132 on 18th, and 4,316 on 19th). During the same period, Delhi Police and Transport Enforcement teams conducted checks amid GRAP restrictions, issuing 446 challans and stopping the entry of around 1492 vehicles into Delhi, which were turned back.
Dedicated teams comprising DTC staff, Delhi Traffic Police and enforcement personnel carried out camera-based monitoring and extensive on-ground checks to ensure strict compliance with pollution norms and possession of valid PUC certificates.
To further tighten compliance, the Delhi Government has introduced a round-the-clock PUC inspection mechanism at fuel stations. Under this system, two DTC personnel have been deployed along with Delhi Police official to ensure continuous inspection and verification. As part of this enforcement protocol, fuel is supplied only to vehicles possessing a valid PUC certificate, strengthening deterrence against non-compliance.
The impact of this initiative is already visible. On December 19 alone, 47,600 PUC certificates were issued and over one lakh certificates issued during the recent 3 days drive, reflecting both heightened enforcement and increased public participation in pollution control efforts.
Special enforcement campaigns were also conducted at 15 major entry points into Delhi, resulting in a sharp rise in challans against polluting vehicles. Action was taken against both Delhi-registered and outstation vehicles.
Technological interventions, including upgraded digital monitoring systems and improved vehicle identification measures, have also been introduced to ensure sustained compliance.
“Pollution control cannot rely on symbolic measures. It requires long-term planning, clean mobility expansion and strict enforcement. Our government is focused on delivering durable solutions that will visibly improve Delhi’s air quality,” said the Transport Minister.
Health Department Strengthens Preparedness to Address Pollution-Related Issues also Strengthening Medical Infrastructure
As part of the integrated approach, the Hon’ble health minister outlined extensive measures undertaken by the Health Department to protect citizens from the health impact of air pollution, particularly respiratory ailments such as asthma and breathing disorders.
All government hospitals have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines, deploy specialist doctors and create dedicated arrangements for patients suffering from pollution-related illnesses. Emergency preparedness has been enhanced to ensure timely care during high-pollution episodes.
A key reform highlighted was the implementation of Ayushman Bharat in Delhi, which had not been operational earlier. Since its rollout, over ₹28 crore has already been disbursed for treatments, providing critical financial relief to economically vulnerable patients who were previously unable to access timely healthcare.
Primary healthcare infrastructure is also being strengthened through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. At present, 238 such centres are operational across Delhi, with plans to establish over 200 additional centres in the next two months. These facilities offer more than 90 diagnostic tests in-house, free medicines and accessible care close to residential areas, significantly reducing the burden on tertiary hospitals.
To address long-standing diagnostic gaps, as many as 12 MRI and 24 CT scan machines have been finalised for Delhi Govt hospitals. These machines will be installed in government hospitals, ensuring affordable and timely diagnostic services and reducing dependence on private facilities.
Disease screening and early detection efforts have also been intensified, particularly for tuberculosis, cervical cancer and anaemia, in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision for TB elimination. Over 75000 screenings have led to the identification and treatment of patients, supported by enhanced X-ray and diagnostic capacity.
Hospital infrastructure upgrades are underway, with several dilapidated facilities being renovated and new blocks already commissioned in multiple hospitals. The Health Department has also adopted a zero-tolerance policy against fake medicines, with continuous surveillance and strict enforcement to ensure patient safety.
“Clean air and strong public health systems must go hand in hand. While we work to reduce pollution at its source, we are equally committed to ensuring that every citizen receives timely, affordable and quality healthcare,” Hon’ble Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh said.
The Delhi Government reaffirmed its resolve to tackle air pollution through an integrated transport and health strategy, combining clean mobility, strict enforcement and robust healthcare systems to secure a healthier future for the people of Delhi.
