Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday reviewed the action plans of municipal bodies in Delhi and Sonipat to tackle worsening air pollution across the Delhi–NCR region, and ordered strict, time-bound measures to cut emissions at their source. Chairing the third review meeting in a series launched earlier this month, the minister stressed that cleaning NCR’s air needs a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, with decisions grounded in ground realities rather than paperwork.
Focusing on construction and demolition activities as a major contributor to particulate pollution, Yadav directed that no demolition or construction work should be allowed unless waste processing facilities exist within 10 kilometres of the site. He also called for a ban on demolition during peak pollution months from October to December, alongside intensive inspection drives and firm action against major violators. The minister made it clear that enforcement should target big polluters, not ordinary citizens, and that challans should not become an end in themselves.
To tackle traffic-related emissions, the minister ordered the removal of illegal parking and encroachments from 62 identified congestion hotspots in Delhi. He pushed for the creation of signal-free corridors during peak hours in coordination with Delhi Police, restrictions on vehicles below BS-IV standards on these routes, and better planning of multi-level parking to prevent fresh bottlenecks. Strengthening last-mile connectivity and discouraging unplanned urban expansion were also highlighted as key steps to reduce private vehicle use.
On waste management, municipal bodies were instructed to fast-track clearance of legacy waste at Okhla, Bhalswa and Ghazipur, with visible progress expected by the end of 2026. The minister also suggested expanding waste-to-energy plants at dump sites, removing stray animals from roads to improve traffic flow, and increasing urban greening through public participation and adoption of parks and water bodies.
Yadav underlined the need for behavioural change and public engagement, asking the Commission for Air Quality Management to sharpen awareness campaigns towards industries, builders and other high-impact polluters. He also encouraged the use of CSR funds to distribute clean heating devices to workers to prevent winter burning of biomass and waste. Setting an ambitious goal, the minister called for a 40 percent reduction in AQI levels within one year and urged all agencies to work in mission mode to restore Delhi’s image as a global capital with livable air.