Centre directs Delhi-NCR to submit 2026 annual action plan to curb pollution

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav directed civic bodies in Delhi-NCR to submit annual action plans for 2026 by December-end to tackle worsening air quality. Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) will form an expert committee on vehicular pollution, a major contributor to PM2.5 pollutants.

Yadav stressed time-bound execution of plans, with monthly and weekly targets, and on-ground review meetings to ensure implementation. Industries in Delhi-NCR must install Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) and Air Pollution Control Devices (APCD). Strict action, including closure, awaits non-compliant units.

Key areas for intervention include dust control, smart traffic management, public transport boost, and greening open spaces. Sixty-two Delhi traffic hotspots will get smart traffic solutions. The municipal authorities must deploy Mechanical Road Sweeper Machines (MRSMs).

The region’s public transport fleet is transitioning to electric vehicles, with 3,400 buses operational and 5,000 expected by March. Targeted action against below BS-IV commercial vehicles is planned.

Meetings will discuss stubble burning with Punjab and Haryana, urban development with the Union Ministry, and local pollution contributors with NCR cities. Punjab and Haryana must prepare action plans to curb stubble burning. A meeting will be held in Chandigarh.