Making electric vehicles a priority key to eliminating pollution in Delhi: Chief Minister Gupta
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta made a significant appearance at the 26th Annual Conference of the Society of Automotive Fitness and Environment and the SIAM Green Plate EV Rally. The event marked a crucial step in the government's mission to transform Delhi's transportation system and combat air pollution.
Gupta's presence at the rally underscored the government's commitment to promoting electric vehicles (EVs) as a key initiative for a cleaner, greener Delhi. In her address, she emphasised the importance of safe traffic, stating that it cannot rely solely on rules and penalties; instead, it must become the responsibility of every citizen and part of their lifestyle.
The Delhi government has set an ambitious target: to make the entire public transport system in the capital electric by 2026. To achieve this, the current Electric Vehicle Policy has been extended until March 31, 2026. First introduced in 2020 during the previous Aam Aadmi Party administration, the policy has been extended several times since its lapse in August 2023.
The policy, developed by the Delhi government itself, offers generous tax exemptions as part of India's broader transition to the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) replacing the FAME-II program in March 2024. Subsidies are also provided to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles.
Gupta administered a pledge for attendees to commit to following road safety rules, highlighting the government's focus on promoting not just electric mobility but also road safety. Extensive public awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate citizens about the benefits of EVs and the importance of safe driving.
Charging stations are being expanded throughout the capital to support the growing number of electric vehicles. Discussions are ongoing to develop an updated Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, with the draft undergoing public consultation.
Gupta emphasised that the large-scale adoption of electric mobility is crucial for realizing a pollution-free Delhi. She noted that the EV rally would serve as a powerful tool for raising public awareness and would mark a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable development.
However, Gupta did not shy away from addressing persistent issues in Delhi, such as garbage mountains, traffic congestion, and pollution. She stressed that achieving a pollution-free Delhi is only possible by prioritising electric vehicles. Breaking traffic rules, not wearing helmets or seatbelts, she asserted, is not an act of bravery but rather an act of irresponsibility.
In her speech, Gupta elaborated on the government's eco-friendly policies and reiterated the importance of personal safety. She believes that rules should be followed not just for the government but for the safety of every individual. The Delhi government's target is to improve Delhi's air quality and address these persistent legacy issues, paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for the city's residents.
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