In a proactive move to combat rising levels of vehicular pollution in the national capital, the Delhi government has launched the 'Red Light On-Gaadi Off' campaign. The initiative, which encourages drivers to turn off their vehicles while waiting at red lights, was officially kicked off on Thursday at the ITO intersection by Environment Minister Shri Gopal Rai. The campaign forms a part of Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal's 15-point winter action plan aimed at curbing pollution during the upcoming season.

Minister Rai pointed out that the alarming increase in pollution levels in Delhi is primarily attributed to pollution stemming from biomass burning, dust, and vehicular emissions. To address this issue, the government initiated the 'Red Light On-Gaadi Off' campaign, which aims to reduce vehicular pollution, particularly at intersections and traffic signals.

"The Delhi government has started a green war room against pollution," stated Gopal Rai. "In addition to this, an anti-dust campaign is currently underway to combat dust-related pollution. Furthermore, bio-decomposers are being applied across 5000 acres to curb stubble burning. Now, the 'Red Light On-Gaadi Off' campaign is being launched to tackle vehicular emissions."

Rai stressed the importance of the campaign, explaining that studies conducted by the Petroleum Conservation Research Association have revealed that vehicle emissions can be reduced by 15-20% if all drivers switch off their engines at red lights. He emphasized the significance of the issue, saying, "Consider this real-life situation. During an average journey in the city, a vehicle crosses 8-10 intersections, and if engines are left running at each red light for 2 minutes, we end up burning fuel needlessly for 25-30 minutes."

The 'Red Light On-Gaadi Off' campaign will see its implementation at Barakhamba Road on October 28 and at Chandgi Ram Akhara Chowk on October 30. Furthermore, the campaign is set to be extended to all 70 assembly constituencies on November 2. On November 3, the government plans to educate school children about the campaign's significance through 2000 Eco Clubs.

Shri Gopal Rai made a heartfelt appeal to the citizens of Delhi, urging them to actively participate in the campaign and collaborate with organizations such as Paryavaran Mitra, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and Eco-Clubs of Delhi. He emphasized that every individual's contribution to this effort would make a significant impact by reducing unnecessary fuel consumption and, in turn, curbing vehicular pollution in the city.