Delhi faces severe air pollution every winter, and one major cause is the use of bonfires by labourers, guards, and the homeless to stay warm during cold nights. These small fires release smoke and harmful particles that worsen the already toxic air. To address this problem, the Delhi Government has started distributing electric heaters so that people do not need to burn wood or waste material for warmth. What makes this initiative special is that it is funded through corporate social responsibility, or CSR.
The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, also known as DSIIDC, has provided ₹4.2 crore from its CSR fund to support this effort. These funds are being used to purchase thousands of electric heaters that will be handed out to people living in vulnerable conditions across the city. By using CSR money instead of taxpayer funds, the government is showing how public welfare can be strengthened when businesses participate in social causes.
The electric heaters will mainly benefit night-shift workers, street vendors, labourers staying at construction sites, and homeless individuals who often rely on burning wood to stay warm. The Delhi Government believes that if more people use these heaters, the number of bonfires will fall sharply, which will help reduce pollution levels during the winter months. This approach also makes the city’s clean-air efforts more humane because it offers a practical alternative rather than simply penalising people for lighting fires.
Officials have said that the distribution will take place across districts identified as high-risk pollution zones. Local authorities, relief teams, and volunteers will work together to ensure the heaters reach those who need them most. The initiative also reflects how CSR can be used not just for large development projects but also for small, direct interventions that improve everyday life.
By involving a government-owned corporation in pollution control, Delhi is setting an example for other cities struggling with similar issues. It shows that companies can play a powerful role in improving air quality and supporting vulnerable communities. Many experts believe that if more organisations step forward with CSR funds, India could tackle environmental challenges more effectively.
This initiative is a reminder that cleaner air is not only a government responsibility. It is a shared effort, and contributions from corporate bodies can help protect the environment while supporting people who need help the most.
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