Union Environment Minister, Shri Bhupender Yadav, chaired High-level Review Meeting on Air Pollution in Delhi NCR today

In a High-level review meeting today, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, reviewed the compliance actions taken by various Departments, Authorities of Government of India and Government of NCT Delhi for the decisions made, in respect of Air Quality Management in Delhi-NCR, during the earlier meeting held on 16^th September, 2025. Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest and Wildlife, Government of NCT of Delhi, Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa was present during the meeting.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), NITI Aayog and Government of NCT Delhi presented the progress of various interventions to address air pollution. Shri Yadav highlighted the need for coordinated efforts of Central Government, State Government and the District Administration, and all agencies and stakeholders for ground level implementation of air pollution control initiatives in Delhi and NCR.

The Minister reviewed the status of installation of Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) in Red Category and 17 categories of polluting industries in Delhi and NCR. He stressed on the need to set up OCEMS in these industries in a time-bound manner.

Shri Yadav also reviewed the status of paddy straw management in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. He directed CAQM to review the space available with pelletization plants and thermal power plants for storage of pellets. He also directed CAQM to issue directions and coordinate verification of utilization of machines in custom hiring centres.

The Minister directed CAQM to hold a meeting with Government of Delhi NCT for effective utilization of construction & demolition waste. He also suggested that the SAMEER app will be the single online app for disseminating Air Quality Index. He directed CAQM to issue instructions to all agencies for following SAMEER app. He further requested Government of NCT Delhi to furnish the specific action plan for repairing potholes in Delhi.

The meeting also witnessed participation from key stakeholders including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NITI Aayog, CAQM, CPCB, Government of NCT of Delhi, Pollution Control Boards of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other concerned agencies.