New Delhi | The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the action plans submitted by the governments of Rajasthan and Punjab to address Delhi-NCR air pollution. This was the fifth meeting in a series of ministerial-level reviews being conducted to ensure time-bound and outcome-oriented implementation of pollution mitigation measures.
Expressing concern over persistently poor air quality in Delhi-NCR throughout the year, the Minister announced that from January 2026, such reviews will be held every month. He emphasised the need for sector-wise, targeted action plans, with clearly defined responsibilities assigned to the concerned departments. Since the plans are being prepared nearly eight months in advance, effective execution, he noted, should result in visible improvements in the next pollution season.
Focus on Urban Mobility and Infrastructure in Rajasthan
While reviewing Rajasthan’s action plan, the Minister highlighted major gaps in public transport systems in Alwar, Bhiwadi, Neemrana, and Bharatpur. He directed the state to prioritise the procurement of electric buses, supported by a clear, timeline-based proposal. Strengthening of EV charging infrastructure was also advised, both within urban centres and along highways and expressways.
Unplanned truck parking along national highways in Bhiwadi and Neemrana was flagged as a significant contributor to congestion and emissions. The Minister called for immediate identification of designated parking areas and preparation of a structured parking management plan. City-specific road redevelopment strategies, traffic decongestion plans, and deployment of Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs) were also directed.
Additionally, a comprehensive roadmap for liquidation of legacy waste was sought. The meeting noted that nearly 600 locations have been identified for roadside tree plantation in Alwar and Bhiwadi, to be undertaken with community participation.
Industrial Compliance and Greening Measures
The Minister instructed authorities to issue immediate closure notices to industrial units that have failed to install Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS). He also underlined the importance of sector-specific Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities, involving industries, Resident Welfare Associations, and local communities. Greening initiatives using local plant species were advised to be taken up in mission mode.
Punjab: Crop Residue Management Under Scrutiny
Reviewing Punjab’s presentation, Shri Yadav stressed the need to ensure that all Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines are functional and used optimally. He suggested the formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for certification of machine readiness and called for innovative solutions, in consultation with scientific institutions, to counter stubble burning.
The Minister encouraged expansion of pelletisation plants, utilisation of crop residue in thermal power plants and brick kilns, and installation of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plants, describing them as among the most environmentally sustainable solutions. The use of drone-based surveillance was also promoted to deter crop residue burning.
Inter-State Coordination to Continue
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, and Heavy Industries, along with the Chairman of the Commission for Air Quality Management, representatives of the state governments, and officials from the Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Boards.
The Union Minister assured that any implementation bottlenecks would be addressed through regular inter-state coordination meetings, reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to sustained and structured action for improving air quality in the Delhi-NCR region.
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