Delhi govt sets up high-level panel, expert group to check air pollution

The Delhi Government has constituted an expert group and a high-level committee on air pollution mitigation to advise on targeted measures for prevention, control and abatement of pollution across the National Capital, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Saturday.

According to officials, the newly formed group comprises leading domain specialists and will function as a dedicated think tank, offering strategic guidance to the government. It is expected to play the role of a “friend, philosopher and guide” in shaping policies and interventions aimed at improving air quality.

Alongside this, the government has also set up a High-Level Implementation Committee for the Control of Air Pollution, chaired by the Chief Secretary and operating under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

The committee has been tasked with ensuring strict monitoring, timely execution, and effective implementation of directions and action plans issued by the Delhi Government, courts and statutory bodies.

Sirsa said the expert group and implementation committee will work in close coordination with one serving as the “brain” providing expert insights, and the other as the “arm” ensuring on-ground enforcement.

The committee to be chaired by Chief Secretary and 14 members will include MCD commissioner, Vice Chairmen DDA, Additional Chief Secretary PWD, Additional Chief Secretary Industries department, Chairmen DSIIDC, NDMC, DPCC Chairmen, Secretary Environment, Commissioner Transport Department, Divisional Commissioner Revenue among others.

Meanwhile, the expert group will be chaired by Leena Nandan, former secretary to Government of India, and nine experts as its members and Chairmen DPCC as its member secretary.