Centre targets 15-20 per cent improvement in Delhi AQI

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (EFCC) Bhupender Yadav on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the Delhi Government’s action plans for tackling air pollution across the National Capital Region (NCR), stressing the need for sustained, long-term measures rather than short-term fixes.

The meeting, part of the Centre’s annual review mechanism, was attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister of State (EFCC) Kirti Vardhan Singh, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Delhi Government and allied agencies.

Highlighting that 2025 recorded the best AQI levels since 2018, barring the Covid lockdown year, officials said coordinated action by NCR governments could lead to a 15-20 per cent improvement in air quality by the end of 2026.

Congratulating Delhi authorities for their efforts, Yadav recalled the constitution of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in 2021 as a key step towards a regional, airshed-based approach.

He noted that pollution in NCR is influenced by both human activities and meteorological factors, underscoring that durable policy interventions are essential for lasting improvement.

Reviewing vehicular pollution, the minister emphasised smart traffic management at 62 identified congestion hotspots, strict action against polluting vehicles and deployment of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at border entry points. Measures such as staggered office timings, incentives for electric vehicles, expansion of charging infrastructure, congestion charges, smart parking and a uniform vehicle registration policy across NCR were discussed, with Yadav highlighting the importance of behavioural change and public participation.

On industrial emissions, it was noted that 227 of 240 industrial estates in NCR have shifted to PNG, though concerns remain over unplanned industrial clusters.

Yadav directed strict action against non-conforming units, including sealing where required. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued notices to 88 units for failing to install Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems, with closure action to begin from January 23, 2026.

The meeting also reviewed construction and demolition (C&D) waste management, with directions to designate disposal sites, restrict demolition during peak pollution periods and ensure scientific processing. A C&D waste processing plant at Tehkhand is expected to become operational this year.

Addressing dust pollution, Yadav stressed end-to-end road paving, plantation of local shrubs and large-scale greening drives. Over 3,300 km of roads in Delhi are slated for redevelopment, alongside expanded use of mechanised road sweeping machines and handheld vacuum cleaners. Road maintenance contracts may include mandatory pothole repairs within 72 hours to ensure accountability.

Public transport augmentation formed a key focus, with accelerated expansion of the Delhi Metro and city bus services. Officials informed that orders have been placed for 3,350 electric buses under a larger induction plan of 14,000 buses. Pilot integration of e-autos, bike taxis and feeder cabs at 10 major metro stations is planned by January 31, 2026.

Progress on legacy waste remediation at Okhla, Bhalswa and Ghazipur landfill sites was reviewed, with timelines reiterated. CAQM also informed that a scientific source-apportionment study involving TERI, IIT Delhi, IITM Pune and ARAI has commenced from January 2026.