Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Friday ordered a crackdown on illegal meat shops and dhabas operating in residential areas of the national capital, directing officials to demolish such establishments and disconnect their water and power supplies.
During an inspection in West Delhi’s Rajouri Garden Assembly constituency, Sirsa highlighted widespread civic violations and pollution concerns, stressing that unauthorised commercial activities in residential localities will not be tolerated.
During the inspection, the Minister observed that illegal and unlicensed raw meat shops, dhabas, polluting tandoors, illegal denim factories and dyeing units, and other polluting industrial units operating in residential areas are significant contributors to pollution.
He said thousands of illegal meat shops and dhabas are operational in residential areas, making life difficult for the city residents. These pose difficulties in the movement of residents.
“In a single lane, there are over 40-50 illegal dhabas and meat shops running without permission. These pose a serious threat to public health and cause inconvenience to residents,” said Sirsa, asserting that no illegal establishment will be spared.
Sirsa asked officials to take stern action, stating, “Illegal activities will not be tolerated.” Officials were advised to close down the illegal raw meat shops, dhabas and illegal polluting establishments.
“Today, I have instructed the District Commissioner and the Additional Commissioner to take action and demolish all these illegal dhabas. They will be sealed, and their water and electricity connections cut,” he said.
Sirsa said strict steps be taken to ensure that such unlawful activities are completely stopped across the national capital. The Minister observed that “meat shops must operate with valid licences in designated areas and maintain hygienic standards”.
Sirsa emphasised that meat shops must be licensed, hygienic and confined to designated commercial zones. “Polluting and illegal establishments cannot function within residential colonies. This endangers public health and the wellbeing of area people,” he added.
He also directed the officials to address waterlogging issues urgently and ensure cleaner roads to prevent the spread of disease.
During the visit, Sirsa interacted with area residents and assured them of swift action to improve essential civic amenities such as electricity, water supply, sanitation and road infrastructure.
Those present during the Minister’s inspection were officials from Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Public Works Department (PWD), Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), and BSES, ensuring coordinated efforts to address the issues effectively.
On pollution, the Minister said the Delhi Government will roll out a comprehensive framework to tackle rising pollution levels, which will include deployment of 1,000 water tankers with sprinklers, anti-smog guns on high-rise buildings and CCTVs and LED screens on city borders to prevent entry of old vehicles. He said the roadmap will outline the city’s strategy to fight pollution from 2025 to 2026.
Sirsa said that one of the key goals is to bring PM2.5 levels down. “We are installing water mist systems at various hotspots to clean the air and help particulate matter settle down. This initiative has already shown success over a 5-km stretch in Dwarka,” he said. The city Government is now expanding the project to 13 identified hotspots across the city.
To intensify dust suppression, over 1,000 GPS-enabled water tankers with sprinklers will be deployed.
“These tankers will move to areas with high pollution levels. Their routes and performance will be monitored in real time. Wherever AQI (Air Quality Index) rises, tankers will be sent immediately,” he said.
The Minister said that monitoring will be increased at all entry points to Delhi to curb entry of end-of-life vehicles. Cameras and LED screens will be installed in these borders, displaying vehicle details. “Data is being collected, and based on it, vehicle owners will be sent automated messages informing them not to enter Delhi if their vehicle is deemed illegal,” he said.
Sirsa also said high-rise buildings will soon be required to install air- water guns. AQI meters will be mandatory at all construction sites, he said.
“Everything will be automated and AI-driven. We are building a monitoring station at the Secretariat so that pollution data can be accessed and tracked live,” he said.