CPCB issues Notices to 88 Industrial Units for not installing Emission Monitoring Systems. It was also highlighted that, barring the COVID lockdown year, 2025 recorded the best AQI figures since 2018, reflecting consistent improvement in the NCR’s air quality.
Union minister for environment, forest and climate change (EFCC), Bhupender Yadav on Monday, chaired a high-level meeting to undertake a detailed review of the action plans of the government of Delhi for tackling air pollution in the NCR cities. The meeting formed part of the regular annual review mechanism to assess progress and strengthen implementation of identified measures. Those present in the meeting included Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, union minister of state (EFCC), Kirti Vardhan Singh and Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, besides senior officials from MoEFCC and the Delhi Government.
At the outset, Yadav congratulated the officials of Delhi Government and related agencies for their sustained efforts in containing air pollution in the national capital. He recalled that in 2021, the union government enacted a dedicated law and constituted the commission for air quality management (CAQM) as a forward-looking step. The airshed of Delhi NCR was identified to precisely determine 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.
Need for Smart Traffic Management
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 action against polluting vehicles, including a special registration drive, installation of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems at border entry points, and exploration of staggered office timings to reduce peak-hour congestion. Measures such as incentivisation of electric vehicles, accelerated expansion of charging infrastructure, congestion charges, smart parking management and a uniform vehicle registration policy for NCR were discussed. Yadav underscored that behavioural change and public participation are critical for the success of these measures.
Reviewing industrial pollution, it was noted that 227 out of 240 industrial estates in NCR have already shifted to PNG. However, unplanned development and subsequent regularisation of industries outside designated estates remain a concern. 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 January 23, it was informed.
Redevelopment of Delhi Roads
The meeting also reviewed management of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, with emphasis on designating C&D waste sites, stopping demolition activities during peak pollution periods, and partnering recycler associations for scientific 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 installation of FGDs in thermal power plants (TPPs) within a 10 km radius of Delhi and mandatory 5 per cent utilisation of crop residue in TPPs was noted.
On road development and dust control, Yadav stressed end-to-end paving, plantation of local shrub varieties in a mission mode and greening works involving 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-based 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.
Legacy Waste Remediation
The minister emphasised strengthening end-to-end public transport through accelerated augmentation of Delhi Metro and city bus services, along with improved 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 in the coming years, while Delhi Transport Department informed that out of the scheduled bus induction plan of 14,000 buses, an order has been placed with CESL for a total of 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 ensure deeper penetration of public transport into residential, commercial, and high-density areas. This initiative will significantly enhance end-to-end connectivity, reduce dependence on private vehicles, and contribute to a sustained 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 31 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 in a 5×5 km grid, app-based waste collection services explored, and facilities for processing 4,600 MT of fresh MSW 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 has been initiated from January 2026 through TERI, IIT Delhi and IITM Pune to identify pollution sources in Delhi NCR. It was also highlighted that, barring the COVID lockdown year, 2025 recorded the best AQI figures 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 by all NCR governments is expected to lead to a 15-20 per cent improvement in AQI levels by the end of this year.
