The Union government has intensified measures to control winter pollution across the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), directing states to enhance enforcement and ordering the immediate sealing of 191 industries found non-compliant with air pollution control norms.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chaired a high-level review meeting on Saturday, emphasizing the need for coordinated action among Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to combat escalating air quality issues as winter sets in. The Minister warned of accountability for officials and agencies that fail to meet stipulated deadlines for implementing pollution control measures.
During the meeting, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was instructed to proceed with the sealing of 191 identified industrial units. These units had reportedly failed to place orders for the installation of Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs) despite previous directives, indicating a persistent disregard for environmental regulations.
Further underscoring the seriousness of the situation, Mr. Yadav stated that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) would initiate criminal prosecution against transport department officials in states that do not complete the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras by November 30. This measure is intended to enhance the monitoring and control of vehicular emissions, a significant contributor to NCR’s air pollution.
Minister Yadav stressed that air pollution transcends administrative boundaries, necessitating a unified and time-bound approach across the entire NCR. He urged a shift from mere planning to tangible, visible actions on the ground to mitigate the worsening air quality.
To ensure rigorous oversight, states were directed to appoint Secretary-level officers responsible for monitoring pollution control measures in 15 identified cities. These include seven cities in Haryana, four in Uttar Pradesh, and four in Rajasthan. These officers are tasked with conducting field inspections and submitting weekly progress reports to the CAQM. The commission was also authorized to issue notices to officers found to be underperforming in their duties.
Mr. Yadav highlighted that over 30 review meetings have been conducted with NCR state governments and municipal bodies over the past year to bolster pollution preparedness and ensure the effective implementation of action plans. This sustained engagement reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the chronic air quality challenges in the region.
Regarding road dust management, a crucial factor in air pollution, the Minister noted that only 3,221 kilometers of the targeted 5,480 kilometers of roads had been redeveloped. He issued directives to expedite pothole repairs, the paving of road shoulders and central verges, and the intensification of mechanical sweeping and deep-cleaning drives. The issue of traffic congestion at 233 identified points across the NCR was also flagged for immediate attention, as gridlocked traffic contributes to increased vehicular emissions.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been given a deadline of December 31 to complete the installation of Multi-Lane Free Flow systems at 154 entry points to Delhi from neighboring states. These systems are expected to improve traffic flow and reduce idling emissions.
In the realm of vehicular pollution, the Minister advocated for accelerating the PARIVARTAN scheme, which aims to replace pre-BS-VI trucks and buses with BS-VI, CNG, and electric vehicles by 2028. States were also urged to expedite the installation of ANPR-based monitoring systems at fuel stations. These systems are to be integrated with VAHAN and pollution-under-control certificate databases to ensure compliance with emission standards.
The connectivity of industries to Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) has shown progress, with 2,298 out of 2,345 targeted industries in the NCR (approximately 98 percent) now linked. However, the Minister emphasized the need for strict enforcement of the particulate matter emission limit of 50 mg/Nm³, with non-compliant units facing closure, electricity disconnection, and sealing.
Furthermore, states were directed to address the substantial gap of 6,747 tonnes per day in municipal solid waste processing capacity. Measures to prevent open dumping and burning of waste were reinforced, and efforts to expedite the clearance of legacy waste at major dumpsites like Okhla, Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Bandhwari were also prioritized.
The Minister called for the development and implementation of focused hotspot action plans targeting areas such as markets, schools, hospitals, railway stations, and bus terminals. Strict adherence to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and specific winter action plans was also mandated.
Highlighting the role of technology in pollution monitoring, Mr. Yadav cited Delhi’s Integrated Command and Control Centre and the CAQM’s PAVAN platform for real-time tracking of pollution, emissions, and compliance. He also stressed the importance of increased public participation through awareness campaigns involving resident welfare associations, transport bodies, and the construction industry.
To ensure direct oversight and assess the ground-level implementation of these measures, Mr. Yadav, accompanied by state environment ministers, will conduct regular field inspections.
The Chenab Times News Desk
