NOV 11: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav chaired a high-level review meeting on air pollution in Delhi-NCR, urging state and UT authorities to submit concrete action-taken reports on air quality management. This was the fourth review meeting to assess ongoing measures for pollution control in the region. Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Delhi’s Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest and Wildlife, also attended the meeting.
Reviewing the situation, Shri Yadav directed authorities to prepare district-wise crop residue management plans and ensure continuous monitoring of stubble burning. He emphasised capacity building for farmers to operate Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines and ensure their widespread availability.
Calling for zero tolerance toward open waste burning, the Minister instructed municipal authorities in NCR cities to create strict timelines for the clearance of legacy waste and to share best practices in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management.
Shri Yadav also urged mission-mode installation of Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) and Air Pollution Control Devices (APCD) in red-category industries. To combat road dust pollution, he reviewed redevelopment roadmaps for urban and industrial areas and stressed quality completion of projects.
He further highlighted the need for efficient construction and demolition (C&D) waste management, roadside greening, and sapling cultivation through municipal nurseries in coordination with forest departments.
To reduce vehicular emissions, the Minister asked the Delhi Traffic Police to finalise traffic management plans for congestion hotspots and expedite the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) rollout.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment, Shri Yadav called for coordinated, citizen-inclusive efforts to ensure sustained improvement in Delhi-NCR’s air quality.
