Centre Pushes Delhi To Accelerate Pollution Control Measures Before Winter

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday chaired a high-level review meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and senior officials to assess the progress of pollution-control measures in the National Capital Region. The meeting focused on strengthening air quality management ahead of the winter season, when Delhi typically witnesses a sharp rise in pollution levels.

During the review, the Minister stressed the importance of time-bound implementation, strict enforcement and stronger coordination among agencies to tackle air pollution effectively. He said the coming months are crucial and emphasized that gaps in implementation must be addressed in mission mode to protect public health and improve the quality of life for Delhi residents.

A major focus of the meeting was road dust mitigation, one of the biggest contributors to Delhi’s pollution problem. The Minister directed authorities to speed up pending road redevelopment works and complete them by October 2026. He also called for intensive greening along roads and the rapid deployment of mechanized road sweeping machines. The Delhi Government was asked to ensure the deployment of 78 large and medium mechanized sweepers along with 1,000 litter pickers by September 2026.

On transport and mobility, the Minister highlighted the urgent need to expand electric mobility infrastructure. He urged the Delhi Government to procure more electric buses through a phase-wise plan and accelerate the installation of EV charging stations across the city. Stressing the importance of reducing vehicular emissions, he also called for better integration of Delhi Metro services with last-mile connectivity systems to encourage greater use of public transport.

The review also covered measures related to End-of-Life vehicles, intelligent traffic management and congestion reduction. Authorities were directed to install Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras at all border entry points by September 2026 and develop 15 signal-free corridors in Delhi to reduce traffic congestion and emissions caused by idling vehicles.

On industrial pollution, the Minister directed stricter monitoring of industrial units through Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems and Air Pollution Control Devices. He warned that non-compliant industries could face sealing and other enforcement actions. Special emphasis was placed on industries operating in non-conforming areas and the need for stronger action against illegal diesel generator sets.

Construction and demolition waste management also figured prominently during the meeting. The Minister noted that Delhi currently faces a processing gap of nearly 1,000 tonnes per day and asked authorities to expand waste-processing capacity by December 2026. He directed agencies to ensure monthly inspections of all active construction sites and strict action against violators of pollution norms.

The Minister also reviewed municipal solid waste management and reiterated the need for a zero-tolerance policy against open waste burning, especially during winter. Authorities were instructed to increase enforcement teams and promote awareness campaigns involving Resident Welfare Associations and local communities.

Highlighting the need for public participation, the Minister suggested launching intensive greening and deep-cleaning campaigns before and after the monsoon season to address legacy dust accumulation. He proposed a “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” approach involving the Centre, Delhi Government and citizens to combat pollution more effectively.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Commission for Air Quality Management, CPCB, DPCC, Delhi Metro, Delhi Police and other agencies attended the meeting.