NEW DELHI – In a major policy shift, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has unveiled a ₹22,236 crore environmental roadmap as part of the 2026-27 State Budget. Representing over 21% of Delhi’s total ₹1.03 lakh crore outlay, the “Green Budget” aims to move beyond seasonal emergency measures by linking government spending directly to measurable ecological outcomes.
Accountability: Tracking the “Green” Rupee
For the first time, 17 different government departments will be held strictly accountable for their environmental impact.
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Outcome-Based Spending: Departments must now report how their expenditures specifically contribute to reducing pollution levels or improving water quality.
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Unified Oversight: A dedicated Green Fund has been established to prevent the fragmented execution that has stalled previous clean-up efforts.
Priority Allocations
The budget targets the two most visible crises in the capital: the toxic state of the Yamuna river and the city’s “Very Poor” air quality.
| Sector | Allocation | Primary Objective |
| Yamuna Clean-Up | ₹6,485 Crore | Sewage treatment and fixing major drain discharges. |
| Electric Mobility | ₹4,758 Crore | Expanding the e-bus fleet and public transport. |
| Dust Control | ₹3,350 Crore | Mechanical sweeping and greener road infrastructure. |
| Forestry & Parks | ₹822 Crore | Planting 35 lakh indigenous trees over 4 years. |
Source-Level Solutions
Rather than relying on short-term fixes like smog towers, the 2026-27 plan focuses on long-term infrastructure:
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Waste Management: Aiming to more than double waste processing capacity to 15,000 metric tonnes per day.
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Public Health: Targeted funding for greening schools and upgrading hospital environmental systems.
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Renewable Energy: Incentives for solar power and a new Carbon Credit Monetisation Scheme using a robust verification system.
“Environment is now embedded in every policy and nature in every scheme,” stated Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during the budget presentation. “This is an enforcement-driven campaign aimed at ensuring cleaner air for every resident.”
The real test for the Gupta administration will be the May 4 execution deadline for several immediate sewage projects, as the city braces for the environmental challenges of the upcoming summer.
