Delhi gets big green push as Rekha Gupta announces massive eco budget of ₹22,236 crore

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta has unveiled a comprehensive ‘Green Budget’ for 2026–27, aimed at improving air quality and securing a cleaner, pollution-free future for the next generation. Out of the total state budget of ₹1,03,700 crore, ₹22,236 crore around 21.44% has been earmarked specifically for green initiatives, clearly signalling the government’s environmental priorities. The responsibility for delivering on these goals has been systematically distributed, with 17 key departments receiving phased allocations to ensure coordinated action across sectors. Importantly, the Chief Minister said all departmental expenditures will now be mapped against green objectives, ensuring that spending aligns directly with environmental outcomes.

Scale and priorities of the Green Budget

The largest share—₹6,485 crore—has been allocated to the Delhi Jal Board for the Yamuna clean-up and expansion of water treatment infrastructure. The Transport Department has been allotted ₹4,758 crore to scale up electric buses and strengthen a cleaner public transport system. The Public Works Department (PWD) will receive ₹3,350 crore to address dust pollution and build green infrastructure across the city.

Driving coordinated development

The Planning Department has been allocated ₹2,350 crore to design and streamline green projects. The Urban Development Department and DUSIB together will receive ₹2,273 crore for targeted environmental interventions. Meanwhile, ₹1,410 crore has been earmarked for the Power Department to promote solar energy and other renewable sources.

Wider coverage through the Green Fund

Several other departments will be supported through the dedicated ‘Green Fund’. The Environment Department has been allocated ₹558 crore for pollution control programmes, the Irrigation and Flood Control Department ₹305 crore for water conservation, and the Development Department ₹258 crore to promote green growth in rural areas.

Green agenda across sectors

The Forest Department will receive ₹181 crore for afforestation and wildlife conservation. The Tourism Department has been allocated ₹102 crore to promote eco-friendly tourism, while ₹100 crore has been set aside for the Education Department to drive green initiatives in schools. In addition, ₹42 crore has been allocated to the Industries Department to curb industrial pollution, ₹31 crore to the Health Department for environmental improvements in hospitals, and ₹23 crore to the Revenue Department for disaster management and green surveys.

Building future capacity through skills and research

The Training and Technical Education Department has been allocated ₹7 crore for green skill development, while the Higher Education Department will receive ₹2 crore for research and environmental studies. Through the Green Budget 2026–27, the Delhi government has adopted a comprehensive, department-wise and phased strategy to transform the capital into a cleaner, greener and more sustainable city.

From slogan to policy

Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta emphasised that ‘Clean Delhi, Green Delhi’ is no longer just a slogan, but a decisive policy response to toxic air and rising temperatures. The government has placed environmental protection at the core of its fiscal strategy through green budgeting.

She said this approach goes beyond accounting—it establishes a robust framework to combat pollution and tackle climate change. The government views environmental protection as a moral responsibility, recognising climate change, pollution and the depletion of natural resources as serious and immediate challenges. Through this Green Budget, public spending and investments will be aligned to support sustainable development and protect biodiversity, the Chief Minister added.