Delhi Launches ‘Saath Nibhayein, Pradushan Ghataayein’ Campaign to Tackle Air Pollution

On September 6, 2026, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiled a fresh, city‑wide push against Delhi’s choking smog. Dubbed ‘Saath Nibhayein, Pradushan Ghataayein’ – literally “Stand Together, Reduce Pollution” – the campaign is meant to be more than a slogan; it’s a call for every Delhiite, every school, every factory, and every government office to roll up their sleeves.

Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa made it clear that the battle for clean air can’t be won by the administration alone. “We’re tightening enforcement, installing monitoring gear, and rolling out new policies,” he said, “but without the active participation of citizens, institutions and industry, the effort will fall short.” The message was repeated in several press briefings, underscoring that the government sees people as partners, not just passive recipients of rules.

The campaign will run for six months, from September 2026 through March 2027, and is built around a classic IEC (Information, Education, Communication) framework. But the Delhi government wants to push beyond mere information – it aims to translate awareness into everyday actions. Simple steps like turning off idle engines, using cleaner fuels, or properly disposing of waste are being highlighted alongside larger initiatives such as installing Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) in factories.

To reach the masses, the government has lined up a medley of outreach tools. Expect to see colourful hoardings near metro stations, radio jingles that linger in the evening commute, and even Nukkad Nataks (street plays) performed in bustling markets. Schools and colleges will host workshops, while Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and bulk‑waste generators will receive targeted training sessions. The idea is to make the message relatable – whether you’re a student, a shop‑owner, or a truck driver.

Industries, traditionally seen as the biggest polluters, are being courted as allies. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has already organized district‑level workshops in industrial belts, walking participants through the installation and operation of Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs) and the compliance requirements for diesel generator sets. “Development and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand,” Sirsa emphasized, urging factories to view cleaner practices as a competitive advantage rather than a burden.

Early ground‑level activities have already kicked off. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) engaged its sanitation staff in IEC drives, while the NGO Chintan ran “Training of Trainers” sessions under the broader “Delhi Ko Kude Se Azadi – Swachhata Abhiyan 2026” program at locations like Lodhi Garden. The Transport Department rolled out awareness drives on PUC compliance, vehicle servicing, and the benefits of electric vehicles, echoing the city’s new EV policy. Even the Delhi Traffic Police joined the effort, conducting a road‑safety awareness program for 300 students.

All told, the campaign is a mosaic of workshops, community programmes, capacity‑building sessions, and creative media pushes. Its ultimate goal is simple: make every Delhi resident aware, involved, and empowered to do their part in reducing pollution. If the city can sustain this collective momentum, officials hope the air will finally start to clear – not just for a few weeks, but for the long haul.