Delhi Government Unveils Green-Focused Budget with Rs 22,236 Crore Allocation
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, the Delhi Government has presented a Budget of Rs 1,03,700 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27. A substantial portion of this outlay, amounting to Rs 22,236 crore or 21%, has been dedicated to green initiatives, underscoring a commitment to balancing urban development with ecological preservation.
Historic Shift in Governance with Green Lens
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, while tabling the Budget titled 'Viksit Delhi, Harit Delhi', emphasized that every policy has been crafted through a green perspective. She described this approach as a "historic transformation in governance thinking," aiming to embed environmental concerns across all sectors. The allocation for environment and forests has seen a remarkable increase, rising by 63% to Rs 822 crore from Rs 505 crore in the previous Budget.
Key Initiatives for Pollution Control and Green Mobility
The Budget introduces a 'Pollution Control and Emergency Measures' policy to tackle Delhi's persistent air and water pollution issues. Financial commitments include Rs 11,266 crore for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), with Rs 204 crore specifically earmarked for pollution control efforts. Additionally, Rs 800 crore has been set aside for basic infrastructure in unauthorized colonies, which are major contributors to Yamuna River pollution.
To enhance green mobility, the government plans to develop cycle tracks along the Yamuna periphery. Innovative proposals include installing solar panels on drains to prevent garbage dumping and generate clean energy simultaneously.
Waste Management and Energy Solutions
Aiming to build a waste processing capacity of 15,000 metric tonnes, the Budget focuses on establishing 'waste-to-energy' plants at key locations such as Narela, Okhla, Ghazipur, and Tekhand. Chief Minister Gupta highlighted plans to create a circular energy model by converting approximately 1,500 tonnes of cow dung into bio-fuel, promoting renewable energy sources.
Advanced Monitoring and International Collaboration
The government has allocated Rs 2 crore for Integrated Control Command Centres (ICCC), war-rooms, mobile applications, and real-time tracking systems to monitor pollution levels effectively. There are also plans to collaborate with the World Bank to bring advanced technical solutions to address Delhi's pollution challenges.
Water Infrastructure and Sewage Treatment
The Delhi Jal Board has received an allocation of Rs 9,000 crore for projects including new underground reservoirs, a 50 MGD water treatment plant in Dwarka, and pipeline expansions to strengthen the city's water balance. Gupta noted that sewage treatment capacity has already increased from 707 MGD to 814 MGD, with a new target set at 1,500 MGD through new and decentralized treatment plants.
Carbon Credit Monetisation Scheme
In a forward-thinking move, the Budget includes the Carbon Credit Monetisation Scheme (CCMS), which aims to convert emission reduction efforts into incentive-based economic value. The state will develop a robust measurement, reporting, and verification system to implement this global parameter effectively.
This comprehensive Budget reflects the Delhi Government's proactive stance on environmental issues, positioning the capital as a leader in sustainable urban development for the future.
