Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav NEW DELHI: With no let up in the air pollution crisis, Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday asked local authorities to take necessary steps to ensure “visible improvement” in the prevailing air quality situation across the national capital region (NCR) within one week.Chairing a high-level meeting to undertake a detailed review of action plans of the governments of NCT of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, Yadav directed the authorities to remove dust and construction and demolition (C&D) waste lying on roads, containment of biomass burning, and strict enforcement of construction bans during high pollution periods. From Work-From-Home To Vehicle Ban- Delhi Rolls Out Fresh Pollution Curbs “Individual officers were asked to be assigned responsibility for Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), supported by GPS tracking, to ensure efficient road cleaning and dust control,” said the environment ministry in a statement.It said directions were issued to remove encroachments causing traffic congestion within 10 days, ensure annual maintenance contracts for pothole-free roads, and provide proper drainage to prevent monsoon-related damage to the roads.Expressing concern over the persistence of poor air quality in the Delhi-NCR, Yadav announced that from January 2026 onwards reviews of action plans, being finalised now, will be held every month at the ministerial level.Reviewing the individual presentations on measures taken by the state governments and municipal bodies, he emphasised that the momentum of these actions must be sustained until there is a visible improvement in air quality across the NCR.“The minister further made it clear that strict measures must be taken against defaulters, but at the same time the general public must not get inconvenienced unnecessarily. Identified issues are to be addressed through corrective actions, with a review scheduled in 15 days,” said the ministry.During the meeting, staggered timings for offices, shopping malls and commercial complexes were also emphasised to reduce peak-hour congestion. “Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida were directed to fast-track the implementation of the Integrated Smart Traffic Management System (ITMS), while traffic police were asked to ensure that enforcement checks do not themselves lead to congestion,” said the ministry.About the AuthorVishwa MohanVishwa Mohan is Senior Editor at The Times of India. He writes on environment, climate change, agriculture, water resources and clean energy, tracking policy issues and climate diplomacy. He has been covering Parliament since 2003 to see how politics shaped up domestic policy and India’s position at global platform. Before switching over to explore sustainable development issues, Vishwa had covered internal security and investigative agencies for more than a decade.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRijiju Blames Congress As Parliament Session Ends Without Pollution Debate, Jairam Ramesh RespondsBangladesh: Hindu Man Lynching Sparks Outrage, Former Indian Envoy Calls Situation Total MobocracyExplained: Why Bangladesh’s Fresh Unrest Ahead Of Polls Is One Of India’s Biggest Strategic WorriesWho Was Sharif Osman Hadi, The Anti-India Face Of Bangladesh Whose Death Has Set Dhaka AblazePakistan Embarrassed Globally As Saudi Deports 56000 Beggars Despite No Fly Lists And Warnings’Countries Like Us Must Stick Together’: Jaishankar And Dutch FM On Strengthening India-EU Ties’Can’t Breathe, You Are Killing Me’: Trapped Journalist Cries As Dhaka Protesters Torch Media HousesWinter Session Closes As Lok Sabha Skips Pollution Debate A Day After G RAM G Bill Sparks ChaosMidnight Drama Over VB-G RAM G Bill, Opposition Stage Overnight Protest, Sleep Outside ParliamentMuhammad Yunus Calls For Calm And Patience As Hadi Death Sparks Protests Arson And National Mourning123PhotostoriesMost loved on-screen TV couples: Ram Kapoor – Priya Sharma, Kartik Goenka – Naira Singhania, and more10 tips from Dutch parents on raising happy kidsWinter Dinner: How to make creamy Garlic Mushroom Soup at home7 life-changing books for inner transformation and self-discoveryNot Switzerland, not Austria: This Indian destination feels surprisingly alpineHow to manifest your desires tonight on New Moon 2025 as per your date of birth8 animals that can be found only in AustraliaSanskrit baby girl names that means prosperity8 types of Panjiri to enjoy during winter seasonFrom ‘Shrimaan Shrimati’ to ‘Jaane Bhi Do Paro’: ‘Dhurandhar’ star Rakesh Bedi’s most loved tv shows123Hot Picksvb g ram gICICI Prudential AMCUAE RainGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays DecemberBank Holidays DecemberTop TrendingTravis Kelce Retirement RumorsAnthony Richardson InjuryCAT ResultWNBASan Francisco GiantsCam SkatteboPuka NacuaJake PaulSidney CrosbyGisele Bndchen
NEW DELHI: With no let up in the air pollution crisis, Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday asked local authorities to take necessary steps to ensure “visible improvement” in the prevailing air quality situation across the national capital region (NCR) within one week.Chairing a high-level meeting to undertake a detailed review of action plans of the governments of NCT of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, Yadav directed the authorities to remove dust and construction and demolition (C&D) waste lying on roads, containment of biomass burning, and strict enforcement of construction bans during high pollution periods.
“Individual officers were asked to be assigned responsibility for Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), supported by GPS tracking, to ensure efficient road cleaning and dust control,” said the environment ministry in a statement.It said directions were issued to remove encroachments causing traffic congestion within 10 days, ensure annual maintenance contracts for pothole-free roads, and provide proper drainage to prevent monsoon-related damage to the roads.Expressing concern over the persistence of poor air quality in the Delhi-NCR, Yadav announced that from January 2026 onwards reviews of action plans, being finalised now, will be held every month at the ministerial level.Reviewing the individual presentations on measures taken by the state governments and municipal bodies, he emphasised that the momentum of these actions must be sustained until there is a visible improvement in air quality across the NCR.“The minister further made it clear that strict measures must be taken against defaulters, but at the same time the general public must not get inconvenienced unnecessarily. Identified issues are to be addressed through corrective actions, with a review scheduled in 15 days,” said the ministry.During the meeting, staggered timings for offices, shopping malls and commercial complexes were also emphasised to reduce peak-hour congestion. “Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida were directed to fast-track the implementation of the Integrated Smart Traffic Management System (ITMS), while traffic police were asked to ensure that enforcement checks do not themselves lead to congestion,” said the ministry.
