Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday launched 11 Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS) ambulances in Delhi, emphasizing the need for prompt medical response. Gupta stated that hundreds more ambulances are planned, with the fleet expected to reach 53 by October, ultimately aiming for a total of 1,000 to ensure timely emergency services for residents. She highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery, urging that ambulances should arrive before pizza deliveries in the city. In addition to the ambulance rollout, the government introduced initiatives under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) to expedite tuberculosis eradication, an organ transplant awareness portal, and inaugurated a District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) aimed at providing early support for children with developmental challenges.
Gupta also opened an automated multilevel car parking facility at Punjabi Bagh cremation ground, reinforcing her administration’s focus on upgrading Delhi’s infrastructure. She acknowledged the city’s long-standing issues with roads, parking, and public facilities, stating that the establishment of such parking systems is essential. The chief minister has instructed officials to construct 100 similar parking facilities within the next 18 months, including the time needed for tendering. Furthermore, Gupta assured that the government is prepared to combat pollution, as the Centre approved cloud seeding operations in Delhi for October and November. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has allowed the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to carry out these operations.
Gupta expressed confidence in their pollution control efforts, responding to inquiries about the cloud seeding. In contrast, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized the BJP-led government for its previous opposition to cloud seeding, noting that the Arvind Kejriwal administration had sought permission from the Centre in vain. AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the BJP’s change in stance regarding cloud seeding, highlighting discrepancies between their past and present positions on pollution control measures.
