changeadminIndia’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (EFCC), Mr Bhupender Yadav, today chaired a high-level meeting to conduct a detailed review of the Government of NCT of Delhi’s Action Plans to tackle air pollution in NCR cities.
The meeting was part of the annual review process to assess progress and strengthen the implementation of identified measures. Mr Yadav congratulated officials of the Delhi Government and related agencies for their sustained efforts to contain air pollution in the National Capital.
He recalled that in 2021, the Government of India enacted a dedicated law and established the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as a forward-looking measure.
The Delhi NCR airshed was identified to precisely identify 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 enforcement against polluting vehicles, including a special registration drive, the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at border entry points, and the exploration of staggered office hours to reduce peak-hour congestion.
Measures such as incentivising electric vehicles, accelerating the expansion of charging infrastructure, congestion charges, smart parking management, and a uniform vehicle registration policy for the NCR were discussed. Mr Yadav underscored that behavioural change and public participation are critical for the success of these measures.
A review of industrial pollution found that 227 of 240 industrial estates in the NCR have already shifted to PNG. However, unplanned development and subsequent regularisation of industries outside designated estates remain a concern.
Mr 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 23rd January, it was informed.
The meeting also reviewed the management of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, with emphasis on designating C&D waste sites, pausing demolition activities during peak pollution periods, and partnering with recycling associations for proper disposal.
Also, it was informed that a C&D waste processing plant at Tehkhand is expected to be operational within this year. Further, progress on the installation of FGDs in thermal power plants (TPPs) within a 10 km radius of Delhi, and on the mandatory 5% utilisation of crop residue in TPPs, was noted.
On road development and dust control, Mr Yadav stressed end-to-end paving, planting 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-powered units, along with handheld vacuum machines/litter pickers for smaller roads.
Road maintenance contracts may include pothole repair within 72 hours, and the Delhi Government was requested to review recurring road damage to ensure accountability.
The Minister emphasised strengthening end-to-end public transport by accelerating the expansion of Delhi Metro and city bus services, and improving last-mile connectivity under an Integrated Transport Plan for NCR cities, to encourage greater public transport usage.
The Delhi Metro Corporation presented its detailed expansion plan for the coming years, while the Delhi Transport Department announced that, under the scheduled bus induction plan of 14,000 buses, an order has been placed with CESL for 3,350 electric buses, all of which will augment the city’s public transport fleet.
These buses will be seamlessly integrated with the Delhi Metro network to deepen public transport penetration into residential, commercial, and high-density areas.
This initiative will significantly enhance end-to-end connectivity, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and sustain a reduction in vehicular emissions across the city. Further, pilot integration of e-autos, bike taxis, and feeder cabs at 10 major metro stations is planned to be executed by 31st January 2026.
Progress on legacy waste remediation was reviewed, with timelines reiterated for Okhla (July 2026), Bhalswa (October 2026) and Ghazipur (December 2027).
Waste collection centres are to be deployed on a 5×5 km grid; app-based waste collection services are to be explored; and facilities for processing 4,600 MT of fresh MSW are to be targeted for completion by September 2027. Waste-to-energy plants at identified locations are to be completed by September 2026.
CAQM informed that a scientific study was initiated in January 2026 by TERI, IIT Delhi, IITM Pune, and ARAI to identify pollution sources in the Delhi NCR. It was also noted that, excluding the COVID lockdown year, 2025 recorded the lowest AQI since 2018, reflecting consistent improvement in the NCR’s air quality.
The meeting stressed the need for a deep-dive IEC campaign to sensitise stakeholders. A coordinated, target-based action plan across all NCR governments is expected to deliver a 15-20% improvement in AQI by the end of this year.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Minister (NCT Delhi), Rekha Gupta, Minister of State (EFCC), Kirti Vardhan Singh and Delhi Environment Minister, Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, besides senior officials from MoEFCC and the Delhi Government.
Other members present in the meeting included the Secretary (MoEFCC), the Chairman of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), and Senior officers from MoEFCC and the State Government of NCT of Delhi. Also present in the meeting were senior officers from CPCB, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), NDMC, Delhi Metro, Delhi Police and PWD.
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