Environment · GS3.5, GS2.3, GS3.4 · 2026-10-23 · 3 min read · 2026-10-23-am
Central and State Agencies Strengthen Air Pollution Control in Delhi-NCR
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) held review meetings with Delhi, Punjab, Haryana governments and NHAI to assess and enhance air pollution control measures, focusing on dust mitigation, stubble burning prevention, and vehicular pollution. Understanding these coordinated efforts is crucial for UPSC aspirants studying environmental governance and intergovernmental coordination.
CAQM coordinates with state agencies and NHAI to enforce dust control, prevent stubble burning, and reduce vehicular pollution in Delhi-NCR.
Why is this in the news?
In October 2026, CAQM chaired by Shri Rajesh Verma conducted multiple meetings with Delhi, Punjab, Haryana governments and NHAI to review and strengthen air pollution mitigation efforts in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas.
[1] Press Information Bureau[2] Press Information Bureau[3] Press Information Bureau
What actions did CAQM direct to control dust pollution in Delhi?
- Strict compliance with directions. CAQM emphasized that all agencies must strictly implement its Statutory Directions, especially for dust mitigation on roads and open areas under MCD jurisdiction.
- Monitoring and enforcement. District Magistrates of GNCTD were tasked to monitor compliance and ensure on-ground implementation of dust control measures.
- Construction dust control. Departments involved in construction were directed to install wind barriers and dust screens to prevent dust accumulation from digging and construction activities.
- Coordination among agencies. DPCC was instructed to ensure close coordination among all concerned agencies for effective air pollution mitigation.
How is NHAI contributing to air pollution control in Delhi-NCR?
- Deployment of equipment and manpower. NHAI deployed around 60 water sprinklers and tankers, 14 anti-smog guns, 23 Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines, two tractor-mounted broomers, and over 900 workers to support dust mitigation.
- Strict adherence to CAQM norms. NHAI was directed to comply with CAQM norms including covering construction materials and maintaining dust-free road surfaces as per GRAP stages.
- Environmental initiatives. NHAI planted around 9.80 lakh plants in NCR during FY 2025-26 with over 90% survival rate and used 13.58 lakh tonnes of inert material from landfill sites for embankment construction.
- Decongestion projects. Major projects like UER-II, Dwarka Expressway, DND–Sohna Expressway, and Delhi–Dehradun Expressway are reducing traffic congestion and vehicular emissions.
What measures are being taken in Punjab and Haryana to control air pollution?
- Paddy stubble burning prevention. CAQM reviewed State Action Plans focusing on enforcement, deployment and utilization of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery, and monitoring through drones and satellite fire alerts.
- Biomass utilization. Compliance with CAQM Direction No. 92 mandates use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets/briquettes in brick kilns and biomass co-firing in thermal power plants.
- Vehicular pollution control. Measures include installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at fuel and CNG stations, action against end-of-life vehicles, cleaner mobility adoption, and phasing out diesel auto rickshaws in NCR districts.
- Dust and industrial pollution control. Efforts include road dust control, mechanized sweeping, dust mitigation from construction and demolition activities, and enforcing industrial pollution norms.
- Coordination and enforcement. CAQM stressed time-bound implementation of State Action Plans, continuous monitoring, and close coordination among state departments and enforcement agencies.
Key numbers
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 60 water sprinklers and tankers | Equipment deployed by NHAI for dust control in Delhi-NCR | |
| 9.80 lakh plants | Plants planted by NHAI in NCR during FY 2025-26 | |
| 13.58 lakh tonnes | Inert material from Delhi landfill sites used by NHAI for embankment construction |
Back to basics: Air Pollution Control and Governance
Air pollution control involves measures to reduce pollutants like dust, vehicular emissions, and biomass burning. Effective governance requires coordination among central and state agencies, enforcement of regulations, monitoring pollution sources, and public compliance. Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery helps prevent stubble burning, a major pollution source. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body overseeing air quality in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas.
Practice: MCQ, Mains and revision
Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements about air pollution control in Delhi-NCR: 1. CAQM directs Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to strengthen dust mitigation on roads and open areas. 2. NHAI has deployed over 900 workers and 60 water sprinklers to support dust control on National Highways in Delhi-NCR. Which of the statements is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and trap
Answer: (c). A careless reader might confuse the number of water sprinklers or the agency responsible for dust mitigation; both MCD and NHAI have specific roles as per the evidence.
Mains question (15 marks)
Examine the role of intergovernmental coordination in controlling air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
Examine: Discuss how central and state agencies coordinate to implement air pollution control measures in Delhi-NCR.
Intro: Intergovernmental coordination is essential for effective air pollution control in Delhi-NCR due to multiple pollution sources and jurisdictions.
- Role of CAQM as a statutory body overseeing air quality and issuing directions to state agencies.
- Collaboration between CAQM, Delhi government agencies, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi for dust mitigation and enforcement.
- NHAI's contribution through deployment of equipment, manpower, and infrastructure projects to reduce vehicular pollution.
- State-level actions in Punjab and Haryana focusing on paddy stubble burning prevention, vehicular pollution control, and industrial emissions.
Conclusion: Sustained and coordinated efforts among central and state agencies are crucial for comprehensive air pollution abatement in Delhi-NCR.
Quick revision
- What machinery is used to prevent paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana?
- Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery is deployed and utilized at district and farmer levels.
- How many plants did NHAI plant in NCR during FY 2025-26?
- NHAI planted around 9.80 lakh plants with over 90% survival rate.
- Who monitors compliance with dust mitigation measures in Delhi?
- District Magistrates of GNCTD monitor compliance and ensure implementation on the ground.
Sources
- [1] Press Information Bureau: CAQM holds meeting with Delhi Government agencies to review Dust Pollution issues and strengthen Air Pollution Mitigation · 2026-10-21 · official
- [2] Press Information Bureau: NHAI Strengthens Air Pollution Control Measures Across Delhi-NCR through Intensified Dust-Control Measures and Faster Decongestion of National Highways · 2026-10-22 · official
- [3] Press Information Bureau: CAQM Reviews Air Pollution Control Measures in Punjab and Haryana, Calls for Prompt Ground-Level Action · 2026-10-22 · official