Can a ₹22,236 crore investment clean up Delhi’s toxic air and revive its polluted river? The Government of Delhi believes it has a more structured answer this time, unveiling a comprehensive “Green Budget” aimed at delivering measurable environmental outcomes.
Announced on Sunday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta introduced the 2026–27 budget, allocating over 21 per cent of the total ₹1,03,700 crore outlay towards environment-focused initiatives. The move comes as Delhi continues to grapple with hazardous air quality and the severely polluted Yamuna River despite years of clean-up efforts.
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A key feature of the new budget is a shift towards accountability. As many as 17 government departments will now be required to track and report their spending against clearly defined environmental goals. The government says this approach is designed to ensure that funds are not just allocated, but also effectively utilised to achieve tangible improvements.
Delhi’s air pollution crisis remains one of the most severe in the world, with residents routinely exposed to unhealthy air quality levels. Meanwhile, the Yamuna continues to suffer from industrial discharge, untreated sewage, and solid waste dumping, making previous clean-up drives largely ineffective.
Officials believe that linking expenditure directly to environmental outcomes across departments could mark a turning point. By integrating green objectives into multiple sectors, the government aims to address pollution in a more coordinated and results-driven manner.
While the scale of funding signals strong intent, the success of the initiative will depend on execution, inter-departmental coordination, and consistent monitoring. For millions of residents in Delhi, the stakes remain high as they await cleaner air and a healthier river.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
