Environment Minister Reviews Action Plans of Rajasthan and Punjab to tackle Air Pollution in Delhi

India’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Mr Bhupender Yadav, today chaired a high-level meeting to conduct a detailed review of the Action Plans of the State Governments of Rajasthan and Punjab to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

This was the fifth meeting in the series of such reviews, conducted in accordance with the prescribed parameters and formats as directed by the Minister during the earlier review meeting held on 3rd December. 

Expressing concern about Delhi-NCR air quality throughout the year, the Minister stated that, from January 2026, action plan reviews would be held monthly at the Ministerial level.

The Minister directed that sector-wise targeted action plans be prepared, with clear execution responsibilities assigned to the relevant departments.

As the action plans are being prepared eight months in advance, it was noted that effective execution would deliver visible positive results in the next season. The Minister assured that all implementational roadblocks would be addressed through regular inter-State coordination meetings at the highest level.

Reviewing Rajasthan’s detailed action plan, Mr Yadav highlighted the need to address gaps in public transport in Alwar, Bhiwadi, Neemrana, and Bharatpur. Electric buses are to be procured as a priority, with a timeline-based proposal to be submitted.

Charging infrastructure is to be augmented on a mission-mode basis in urban areas and along highways and expressways. The issue of unplanned truck parking along the National Highway in Bhiwadi and Neemrana was flagged as a significant concern requiring immediate action, including identifying parking lots and preparing a parking plan to prevent congestion.

The Minister requested that city-specific road redevelopment plans be submitted for Alwar, Bhiwadi, Neemrana, and Bharatpur. Traffic congestion points are to be identified, and short-term and long-term traffic decongestion plans are to be prepared.

A comprehensive scheme for the liquidation of legacy waste will be developed, and Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs) will be deployed immediately at any gaps identified.

It was noted that 600 locations have been identified in Alwar and Bhiwadi for tree planting as part of the roadside Greening efforts, with community involvement.

Shri Yadav directed that closure notices are to be issued immediately to non-compliant industrial units that have not yet installed Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS).

Furthermore, IEC activities should focus on sector-specific stakeholder participation, e.g., with industrial units for emission control and with Resident Welfare Associations for the segregation and processing of municipal solid waste. Greening activities are to be undertaken in mission mode, using local bush species, as the Minister desired.

During Punjab’s presentation, Mr Yadav emphasised that all Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines must be in working condition and used efficiently. To ensure this, he requested that SOPs be prepared to certify that machines are in good working condition.

The Minister asked the Ministry of Agriculture to brainstorm innovative mechanisms, in consultation with stakeholders and the scientific community, to manage crop residue and reduce stubble burning effectively.

The need for introspection on the effectiveness of existing measures was underlined. Pelletisation plants should be encouraged, and crop residue should be utilised in thermal power plants and brick kilns.

The installation of Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants was emphasised as the most environmentally friendly solution for crop residue management. Drone-based surveillance was also encouraged to deter crop residue burning.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary (Environment, Forest and Climate Change); Secretary (Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare); Chairman, Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM); senior officers from the Union Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Housing and Urban Development, and Heavy Industries; and representatives of the State Governments of Rajasthan and Punjab. Senior officers from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) were also present.