New Delhi: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav has called for stronger grassroots-level public participation to address air pollution across the National Capital Region (NCR). He urged mayors and representatives of urban local bodies to take the lead in translating air quality action plans into effective implementation on the ground.
The dialogue brought together mayors and local representatives from 63 NCR cities, marking the first large-scale engagement organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change with elected representatives of local bodies specifically on air pollution.
Yadav emphasised that scientific and data-based approaches to air pollution control must reach the grassroots. He said urban local bodies are the first responders and can bring significant improvements through guided and locally implemented measures. Public representatives, he added, have an important role in mobilising citizens to prevent avoidable pollution and create cleaner and healthier urban environments.
Focus on Waste Management and Dust Control
With rapid urban expansion increasing the volume of solid waste, the Minister stressed the need for effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 and the Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Management Rules, 2025. He called on elected representatives to understand the powers and responsibilities of urban local bodies in air pollution control and waste management and to develop replicable practices that can encourage wider public participation.
Yadav also urged local bodies to strengthen green cover by planting local and drought-resistant grass species along roads to help control dust pollution. He called for greater public participation in road and area cleaning, prevention of plastic use and biomass burning, and action against pollution from non-conforming industries and vehicles.
The Minister informed the gathering that more than 25 continuous review meetings have been held at the Union level with NCR municipal bodies and State Governments. He also highlighted consultations with the Chief Ministers of NCR States and the preparation of detailed action plans for tackling air pollution.
CAQM to Support Grassroots Implementation
The Minister highlighted the role of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as the centralised institutional mechanism for enforcement of air quality management measures in the NCR. The Ministry and CAQM will provide technical support to local bodies, including access to technical resources and action plans, to strengthen implementation at the local level.
Earlier in the programme, participants were given presentations on air pollution control measures in Delhi-NCR, along with briefings on the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 and C&D Waste Management Rules, 2025. The sessions were intended to familiarise elected representatives with government initiatives as well as their duties, responsibilities and powers relating to air pollution control and solid waste management.
The meeting concluded with the Union Environment Minister administering a Clean Air Pledge to the participating public representatives, encouraging them to work with citizens in their respective areas towards more effective air quality management.
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