Climate change has begun to affect life in cities and to prepare the national capital for this continuous hour, the Delhi government is working on a policy draft to combat the adverse effects of these changes, including in various areas.
Ranging from electricity, water, waste and green transport to various aspects of urban planning, the Delhi government will formulate a comprehensive policy by identifying the sources of climate change in at least seven important sectors.
On Wednesday, Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai chaired a round table conference involving 40 departments, experts and officials to review the existing climate policy in 2019, stressing the urgent need for action as the city faces an unprecedented heat wave and record rainfall. “A comprehensive policy will be drawn up and sent to the Union government for approval,” the minister said.
The draft Delhi State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) should be finalized first by the city government and will finalize the implementation plan. The Environment Department will submit the Delhi SAPCC to the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MOEF&CC) for approval. The submission will be made in the next two weeks, Rai said.
The new policy is a revision and improvement on the existing 2019 Climate Action Plan.
Focus on Urban Flooding, Waterlogging & Better drainage systems
In the last few weeks, after the arrival of the monsoon in Delhi, the city government and local bodies – both governed by the Aam Aadmi Party – have been criticized for poor drainage systems and waterlogging in various parts. Several people across the city have died in various rain-related accidents, including the death of three IAS aspirants in Old Rajinder Nagar area.
Now, according to the focus area of ​​the policy draft, the government will ensure the implementation of the drainage master plan for the three basins prepared by the PWD. Furthermore, it also plans to ensure an efficient storm water infrastructure in the city.
There will be a system to monitor and deal with urban flooding and flooding. These include improved stormwater drainage systems and efficient stormwater infrastructure in the city.
The draft also says that the government will set up a monitoring system by installing low-cost sensors that can also be used to warn of floods. And there will be regular desilting of these storm water drains.
“Make sure to pump excess water from roads and low-lying areas using appropriate machinery. Form a quick response team in case of an emergency,” the list with steps read.
Furthermore, there will be protection against river flooding by the completion of protection work between Palla to Wazirabad Barrage across the bank.
The draft also mentions protecting the Yamuna River floodplain in the city with the aim of removing and relocating illegal settlements and settlements/encroachment. It also said that a green belt would be built above the Yamuna floodplain as a barrier between the Yamuna and the city. The government also plans to revive and widen the old river channel in the floodplain, if possible.
The seven main areas that the government will work on are: Energy and Power; Urban planning; Water Sector; Forests and Biodiversity; Transportation; Agriculture and Horticulture; and Health.
Focus on physical infrastructure
The Delhi government plans to implement the Unified Building Bye-Laws (UBBL) making solar installation mandatory in all buildings within a rooftop area of ​​105 sq. m and above.
Until April 2022, about 138 MW of solar systems in 1,222 government buildings were installed. It also said that there will be a policy to install solar systems in all remaining government buildings.
The policy also says that physical infrastructure in Delhi will adapt. “Distribution in the ground for protection against wind, high temperatures, corrosion, and flooding may be considered. Introducing an effective cooling system for substations and transformers to help increase the temperature,” he said.
The draft also says that there will be adaptation measures in the urban planning sector as well as resilient buildings.
“Target the construction of resilient buildings that can withstand rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. Ensure the integration of well-developed codes and regulations and energy conservation, sustainability measures, etc. in these regulations,” he added.
In addition, there will be 100 percent saturation in 2030 of LED bulbs, LED tube lights and energy-efficient fans, and energy-saving LED street lights.
