Delhi launches public campaign against air

The Delhi government launched a citywide awareness campaign on Sunday aimed at boosting public participation in efforts to curb air pollution. The campaign, titled "Saath Nibhayein, Pradushan Ghataayein," will run from September 2026 to March 2027 and will be implemented by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).

According to an official statement reported by Hindustan Times, the Information, Education and Communication campaign will focus on engaging citizens, educational institutions, industries, resident welfare associations, markets, construction stakeholders, bulk waste generators, farmers, and vehicle owners. Engagement will occur through workshops, community programmes, sensitisation drives, and field-level activities.

Campaign strategy and outreach

The outreach programme will use newspaper advertisements, hoardings, posters, radio jingles, nukkad nataks (street plays), and other interactive activities to spread awareness about pollution sources and emission reduction measures. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that government efforts require active citizen involvement.

"While the government is strengthening enforcement and implementing comprehensive measures at every level, the fight for clean air cannot be won by the Government alone," Sirsa said. He argued that every citizen, institution, and stakeholder has an important role to play.

The government said the initiative seeks to move beyond enforcement towards greater awareness, behavioural change, and stakeholder participation. Officials aim to turn pollution control into a collective movement rather than limiting it to regulatory enforcement.

Focus on industries and compliance

As part of the campaign, the DPCC has conducted district-level workshops in industrial areas. These workshops focus on compliance with pollution-control norms, including the use of Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems, Air Pollution Control Devices, and regulations concerning diesel generator sets.

Minister Sirsa said industries and commercial establishments would be important partners in Delhi's clean-air mission. The government aims to promote both environmental compliance and sustainable development through this engagement.

Early activities and department roles

Several activities have already been undertaken under the campaign. The New Delhi Municipal Council has run awareness programmes involving sanitation workers. The waste-management NGO Chintan has conducted training sessions for housekeeping staff.

The Transport Department has carried out awareness activities on PUC (Pollution Under Control) compliance, vehicular pollution, timely vehicle servicing, disposal of end-of-life vehicles, cleaner fuels, and electric vehicles. Separately, the Delhi Traffic Police conducted a road safety awareness programme involving around 300 students as part of the outreach activities.

The campaign will see sustained awareness and stakeholder engagement activities across Delhi over the coming months.