The Delhi Government has initiated a comprehensive effort to map the expenditures allocated to 17 key departments that are tasked with advancing the city’s green objectives. This strategic move aims to foster a more coordinated approach across various sectors to achieve the overarching goal of a cleaner and pollution-free capital, according to officials.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Chief Minister recently presented a ‘green budget’ amounting to Rs 22,236 crore, a significant portion of the total Rs 1.03 lakh crore outlay. This budget is designed to establish a clear roadmap for enhancing Delhi’s environmental quality.
The 17 government departments designated to spearhead environmental initiatives will receive dedicated funding, with a strong emphasis on critical projects such as the clean-up of the Yamuna River and the expansion of the electric bus fleet. These allocations are structured in phases to ensure systematic progress and synchronized efforts among the departments.
In a statement released by the Chief Minister’s Office, it was highlighted that all departmental spending will be rigorously assessed against predefined green objectives. This measure is intended to ensure that financial outlays directly contribute to tangible environmental outcomes and the city’s sustainability goals.
The largest portion of the green fund, amounting to Rs 6,485 crore, has been earmarked for the Delhi Jal Board. This allocation is primarily directed towards the ambitious Yamuna clean-up project and the enhancement of water treatment infrastructure across the city. The Transport Department is set to receive Rs 4,758 crore, which will be instrumental in scaling up the operation of electric buses and bolstering a more environmentally friendly public transportation system.
Further, the Public Works Department (PWD) has been allocated Rs 3,350 crore. This funding will be utilized to implement measures aimed at mitigating dust pollution and developing green infrastructure throughout Delhi. The Planning Department will receive Rs 2,350 crore, dedicated to the design and streamlined implementation of various green projects. Additionally, the Urban Development Department and the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) will jointly receive Rs 2,273 crore for targeted environmental interventions.
Several other departments will also benefit from this dedicated green fund. The Environment Department has been allocated Rs 558 crore to support ongoing pollution control programmes. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department will receive Rs 305 crore, focusing on water conservation efforts, while the Development Department has been granted Rs 258 crore to foster green growth in the city’s rural areas.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that the initiative ‘Clean Delhi, Green Delhi’ has transcended its status as a mere slogan. She described it as a decisive policy response to pressing environmental challenges, including toxic air quality and rising temperatures. The government’s fiscal strategy has now placed environmental protection at its core through the implementation of green budgeting principles.
The mapping of expenditures is expected to provide a transparent overview of how green funds are being utilized and to identify any potential overlaps or gaps in the current environmental initiatives. This granular approach to financial oversight is anticipated to optimize resource allocation and enhance the overall effectiveness of the government’s environmental protection agenda.
Officials indicated that the data gathered from this expenditure mapping exercise will inform future budgetary allocations and policy decisions related to environmental sustainability. The initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to data-driven governance and its proactive stance on tackling climate change and pollution at the local level.
The mapping process will involve detailed reviews of departmental reports, project proposals, and financial statements to ensure accurate accounting of all green-related expenditures. The aim is to create a clear and actionable roadmap that will guide Delhi towards becoming a significantly greener and cleaner city in the coming years.
The Chenab Times News Desk