In a fresh push to combat winter pollution in the national capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday announced a new initiative aimed at eliminating the burning of wood and coal across residential areas. Under the campaign, the Delhi government will distribute 10,000 electric heaters to Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) through CSR partnerships, targeting winter hotspots where watchmen and residents traditionally rely on wood fires for warmth.

Calling it a “positive and necessary step” in Delhi’s long fight against toxic air, CM Gupta said the initiative is designed to provide cleaner and safer alternatives to those most likely to burn polluting fuels during the winter months.

“We have launched a new initiative where we will distribute ten thousand heaters to RWAs through CSR support,” she said. “Our aim is to ensure that in no block or locality do watchmen or residents burn wood or coal, which contributes significantly to pollution.”

Gupta emphasised that awareness and cooperation from RWAs will play a crucial role in the initiative’s success. “We hope to make all RWAs aware and motivate them to ensure that no wood or coal is burned in their areas. By providing electric heaters, we want to support our watchmen and offer them a cleaner alternative.”