Delhi is intensifying its battle against pollution with a multi-pronged approach that combines electric vehicle (EV) promotion and stringent dust control measures. These efforts were brought into sharp focus at the recent Urban Adda 2025 event, a three-day conference that concluded on World Environment Day. The event served as a platform for policy announcements, expert discussions, and public engagement, highlighting the city's commitment to creating a sustainable urban environment.

A key announcement at Urban Adda 2025 was the unveiling of Delhi's EV Policy 2.0, which is expected to launch next month. Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh emphasized that the new policy aims to improve last-mile safety, eliminate bus shortages, and enhance overall transport governance. The focus is not just on increasing the number of buses but on ensuring safer rides and efficient routes for commuters. This policy builds upon the foundation laid by the initial EV policy in 2020, which focused on reducing vehicular emissions, promoting clean transport, and strengthening EV infrastructure through financial incentives and clear adoption targets.

The EV Policy 2.0 is expected to include several measures to boost EV adoption, such as a pollution cess on petrol and increased cess on diesel vehicles. Additionally, the government is considering imposing annual green levies on non-EVs older than 10 years and mandating EV charging stations in parking areas of housing societies. To incentivize EV adoption, the policy proposes carbon credits for EV buyers, rewarding them for the environmental benefits they contribute. The carbon credit system could provide annual incentives ranging from INR 200 to INR 1,600 for the typical EV owner.

Delhi is also focusing on electrifying its public transport fleet. The government plans to deploy 2,299 electric autos at metro stations to improve last-mile connectivity and reduce reliance on fuel-based vehicles. By 2027, the city aims to have 2,000 electric buses plying the streets, supported by an extensive network of 18,000 public charging stations.

Recognizing that dust pollution is a major contributor to Delhi's poor air quality, the city is implementing stringent dust control measures. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recently launched the Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025, which includes several initiatives to combat dust pollution. Construction sites larger than 500 square meters will be required to register with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and adhere to strict dust control guidelines, including the use of green nets, water sprinklers, and dust suppressants. The government will also conduct citywide surveys to identify broken roads and deploy 1,000 water sprinklers, 140 anti-smog guns, and 70 mechanical sweepers throughout the year.

In addition to these measures, the government is exploring innovative solutions such as artificial rain through cloud seeding to combat pollution. A pilot project will be launched in collaboration with IIT Kanpur to explore the feasibility of this technology. The Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025 also mandates the installation of anti-smog guns on high-rise commercial buildings, particularly those above 3,000 square meters, such as malls, hotels, and office complexes. Mist sprayers will also be installed at 13 air pollution hotspots across the city.

To curb vehicular emissions, only BS-VI, CNG, and electric vehicles will be allowed to enter Delhi from November 1, 2025. End-of-Life Vehicles (EoLVs) will be barred from entry starting July 2025, with the help of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) centers will be audited every six months to ensure compliance and transparency. The government is also promoting tree plantation drives, with a target of planting 70 lakh saplings in 2025 under the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is collaborating with the Raahgiri Foundation to redesign roads in Delhi and eight other NCR cities to make them dust-free. This initiative involves end-to-end paving and greening of roads, with action plans already submitted by the participating cities. The goal is to reduce dust pollution, improve public health, promote sustainable transportation, and build capacity for sustainable urban development.