Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta’s Address on Delhi-Related Issues at the 32nd Meeting of the Northern Zonal Council in Faridabad

CM Rekha Gupta presents a clear stance on Delhi’s regional concerns at the Northern Council meeting

Appeals to states for collective solutions on stubble burning, Yamuna cleaning, and water-sharing

“Delhi is fully committed and inclusive to every joint initiative”: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, Nov 2025 : At the 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council held in Faridabad, Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta presented her views in detail on major regional issues concerning the national capital. She urged neighbouring states and the Centre to work together with Delhi to find long-term and sustainable solutions to shared challenges. She emphasised that the problems faced by Delhi and adjoining states are common, and only coordinated efforts can lead to meaningful and lasting outcomes.

Expressing concern over air pollution, the Chief Minister said that Delhi’s air quality is heavily impacted by regional factors, particularly the smoke generated from stubble burning. She said that states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have shown positive progress in crop-residue management in recent years, but the volume of smoke coming from Punjab remains significantly high. She expressed hope that all neighbouring states—especially Punjab and Haryana—would extend stronger cooperation to ensure cleaner air for Delhi.

She also highlighted Delhi’s push for a fully electric bus fleet and urged NCR cities to accelerate their transition to electric buses, taxis, and autos to bring about a substantial reduction in pollution.

Speaking on the cleaning of the Yamuna, the Chief Minister said that both Delhi and Haryana governments have been taking important steps to improve the river’s condition. She appreciated the cooperation extended by the Haryana Government and Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini. She emphasised the need to trap all drains falling into the Yamuna, complete sewer line and desilting work wherever necessary, and ensure that only treated water through modern STPs flows into the river. She reiterated the need for effective management of major drains entering Delhi from Bahadurgarh, Jhajjar, and Gurugram.

On the issue of drinking water supply, the Chief Minister stressed the urgency of renewing the 1994 water-sharing agreement. Considering Delhi’s growing requirements, she reiterated Delhi’s request to increase its share of Yamuna water from 980 MGD to 1250 MGD. She also urged fast-tracking the Renukaji, Lakhwar, and Kishau dam projects so that Delhi receives adequate water and other states benefit from the expected electricity generation. She further requested that the responsibility for maintaining the Munak Canal and ITO barrage be handed over to Delhi and that water assessment for Delhi be carried out at the entry point of the canal into the city.

On transportation and regional connectivity, the Chief Minister informed the Council that Delhi’s pending contributions to RRTS and other regional projects—pending for several years—are now being processed by the current government. She assured that all outstanding dues would be released soon. She also reiterated the need to strictly regulate heavy commercial vehicles, ensuring they mandatorily use the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways to prevent unnecessary entry into Delhi and reduce pollution caused by such vehicles.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Delhi Government is fully committed to playing an active, cooperative, and constructive role in every joint initiative. She expressed confidence that the Council would continue to provide a positive platform for dialogue on regional issues and that the entire northern region would greatly benefit from it in the long run.