Delhi: Environment Minister reviews air pollution plan with CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, Jan 12 (IANS) Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (EFCC) Bhupender Yadav on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to undertake a detailed review of the Action Plans of the Government of NCT of Delhi for tackling air pollution in the NCR cities.

The meeting formed part of the regular annual review mechanism to assess progress and strengthen the implementation of identified measures.

Those present in the meeting included Chief Minister (NCT Delhi) Rekha Gupta, Union Minister of State (EFCC) Kirti Vardhan Singh and Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, besides senior officials from the MoEFCC and the Delhi Government.

At the outset, Yadav congratulated the officials of the Delhi government and related agencies for their sustained efforts in containing air pollution in the National capital.

He recalled that in 2021, the Union Government enacted a dedicated law and constituted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as a forward-looking step.

The airshed of Delhi NCR was identified to precisely determine pollution sources across the region. He noted that air pollution in NCR is driven by both anthropogenic activities and meteorological factors, and emphasised that long-term policy interventions, rather than quick fixes, are essential.

On vehicular pollution, the Minister highlighted the need for smart traffic management, particularly at 62 identified congestion hotspots, to ensure smoother traffic flow.

He stressed strict action against polluting vehicles, including a special registration drive, installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at border entry points, and exploration of staggered office timings to reduce peak-hour congestion.

Measures such as incentivisation of electric vehicles, accelerated expansion of charging infrastructure, congestion charges, smart parking management and a uniform vehicle registration policy for NCR were discussed.

Yadav underscored that behavioural change and public participation are critical for the success of these measures.

Reviewing industrial pollution, it was noted that 227 out of 240 industrial estates in NCR have already shifted to PNG. However, unplanned development and subsequent regularisation of industries outside designated estates remain a concern.

Yadav directed that strict action be taken against illegally operating and non-conforming units, including sealing where required. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued notices to 88 units that have not installed Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS), with closure action to commence from 23.01.2026, it was informed.

The meeting also reviewed management of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, with emphasis on designating C&D waste sites, stopping demolition activities during peak pollution periods, and partnering with recycler associations for scientific disposal.

On road development and dust control, Yadav stressed end-to-end paving, plantation of local shrub varieties in a mission mode, and greening works involving the Eco Task Force, NCC, NSS, and youth clubs to address PM10 pollution.

Redevelopment of over 3,300 km of roads in Delhi is planned in the coming year, with dust abatement and traffic management integrated into execution. Mechanised Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs) are to be widely deployed in an Op-Ex model with no diesel-based units, along with handheld vacuum machines/ litter pickers for smaller roads.

--IANS

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