New Delhi: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the action plans prepared by the Rajasthan and Punjab governments to tackle air pollution impacting Delhi-NCR, expressing concern over poor air quality persisting throughout the year.
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, chaired a high-level meeting. Credit: PIB
Stressing the need for sustained and close monitoring, the Minister announced that from January 2026, action plans to combat air pollution would be reviewed every month at the ministerial level. “Air pollution is not a seasonal issue. Continuous monitoring and timely implementation are essential, and monthly reviews will ensure accountability and results on the ground,” Yadav said.
He directed states to prepare sector-wise, targeted action plans with clearly defined responsibilities for execution by concerned departments. Noting that the plans are being prepared nearly eight months in advance, the Minister said effective implementation would translate into visible improvements in the next pollution season. He also assured that any implementation-related hurdles would be resolved through regular inter-state coordination meetings at the highest level.
While reviewing Rajasthan’s action plan, Yadav underlined the urgent need to bridge gaps in public transport in Alwar, Bhiwadi, Neemrana and Bharatpur. “Electric buses must be procured on priority, and a time-bound proposal should be submitted,” he said, adding that charging infrastructure must be expanded in mission mode in cities as well as along highways and expressways.
Flagging unplanned truck parking along national highways in Bhiwadi and Neemrana as a major contributor to congestion and pollution, the Minister called for the immediate identification of designated parking lots and preparation of a comprehensive parking plan. He also sought city-specific road redevelopment plans for the four cities, with identification of traffic congestion points and formulation of both short-term and long-term decongestion strategies.
On waste management, Yadav directed that a comprehensive scheme be prepared for the liquidation of legacy waste and that Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines be deployed immediately wherever gaps exist. He was informed that around 600 locations in Alwar and Bhiwadi have been identified for roadside tree plantation with community participation as part of greening efforts.
Taking a strict view on industrial pollution, the Minister ordered the immediate issuance of closure notices to non-compliant industrial units that have failed to install Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems. He also emphasised focused IEC activities involving sector-specific stakeholders. “Industries must actively participate in emission control, while RWAs should be engaged in waste segregation and processing. Greening activities should be taken up in mission mode using local species,” Yadav said.
Reviewing Punjab’s presentation, the Minister stressed the importance of ensuring that all Crop Residue Management machines are in proper working condition and used efficiently. He called for the preparation of standard operating procedures for the certification of machines. “We need to introspect on the effectiveness of existing measures and strengthen them with scientific and innovative solutions,” he said.
Yadav urged the Ministry of Agriculture to brainstorm new mechanisms, in consultation with stakeholders and the scientific community, to effectively manage crop residue and curb stubble burning.
He advocated encouraging pelletisation plants, utilisation of crop residue in thermal power plants and brick kilns, and prioritising the installation of Compressed Bio-Gas plants as the most environment-friendly solution. Drone-based surveillance was also recommended as a deterrent against crop residue burning.
(Cover Image Credit: CANVA)
