Delhi Budget 2026-27: Rekha Gupta Unveils “Green Budget” With ₹22,236 Crore Allocation for Sustainable Development
New Delhi, March 24: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday presented the 2026-27 budget as a “green budget,” placing strong emphasis on sustainability, pollution control, and environmental restoration. The government has earmarked 21.44% of the total outlay, amounting to ₹22,236 crore, for green development initiatives.Significant Increase in Environment Spending
The allocation for the environment and forest sectors has seen a sharp rise, increasing to ₹822 crore from ₹505 crore in the previous financial year, marking a 62.7% growth.Highlighting the government’s commitment, Gupta said the aim is to restore Delhi’s identity as a “Green Delhi” through the expansion of urban forests, parks, and green spaces. A separate allocation of ₹25 crore has been set aside for the Delhi Park and Garden Society.
Large-Scale Plantation and Forest Development Plans
The government plans to plant 35 lakh indigenous trees, including peepul, mango, and neem, over the next four years. In addition, new forest areas will be developed to enhance green cover across the capital.To support this, ₹130 crore has been allocated for forest development, while ₹44 crore has been earmarked for wildlife protection.
₹300 Crore Pollution Control Scheme Announced
A key highlight of the budget is the introduction of a ₹300 crore “Pollution Control and Emergency Measures” scheme. This initiative will deploy mechanical sweepers, anti-smog guns, and water sprinklers to combat air pollution.Further, ₹204 crore has been allocated to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) specifically to strengthen pollution control measures.
Focus on Technology and Monitoring Systems
The Delhi government is also planning to implement advanced technical solutions and monitoring systems in collaboration with the World Bank. An additional ₹2 crore has been allocated for systems such as the Integrated Command and Control Centre, war-room operations, mobile applications, and real-time tracking tools.Waste Management Capacity to Double
The government aims to significantly enhance waste processing capacity from 7,000 metric tonnes to 15,000 metric tonnes per day. This will be achieved through the expansion of waste-to-energy plants in Narela, Okhla, Ghazipur, and Tehkhand.Gupta highlighted progress in reducing legacy waste, noting a 16% reduction at Ghazipur, 54% at Bhalswa, and 68% at Okhla, indicating improvements in waste management practices.
Cow Dung Waste to Energy Initiative
Delhi generates around 1,500 tonnes of cow dung waste daily, which will now be processed and converted into energy. The initiative is expected to reduce emissions, lower fuel imports, and support the development of a circular economy.Push for EV Ecosystem and E-Waste Management
Alongside strengthening the electric vehicle ecosystem, the government is initiating structured planning for e-waste management to address emerging environmental challenges.Carbon Credit Monetisation Scheme in Focus
The government is also advancing the Carbon Credit Monetisation Scheme, which aims to convert emission reductions into economic value through a robust Measurement, Reporting, and Verification framework. The scheme is expected to encourage innovation and accelerate sustainability efforts across Delhi.Disclaimer: Due care and diligence have been taken in compiling and presenting news and market-related content. However, errors or omissions may arise despite such efforts.
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