Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the action plans submitted by the governments of Rajasthan and Punjab to address air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. This was the fifth meeting in a series of state-wise reviews being conducted on prescribed parameters and formats, as directed during an earlier review held on December 3, 2025.

Expressing concern over the persistently poor air quality in Delhi-NCR throughout the year, Yadav said that from January 2026, such reviews would be held every month at the ministerial level. He directed states to prepare sector-wise, targeted action plans with clearly defined departmental responsibilities. Noting that the plans are being finalised nearly eight months in advance, the minister said effective execution could deliver visible improvements in the next pollution season. He assured that implementation challenges would be addressed through regular high-level inter-state coordination meetings.

Reviewing Rajasthan’s action plan, Yadav stressed the need to bridge public transport gaps in Alwar, Bhiwadi, Neemrana and Bharatpur. He directed that electric buses be procured on priority and asked the state to submit a timeline-based proposal. Augmentation of charging infrastructure in urban areas and along highways and expressways was also emphasised. The issue of unplanned truck parking along national highways in Bhiwadi and Neemrana was flagged as a major contributor to congestion and emissions, requiring immediate corrective measures.

The minister further sought city-specific road redevelopment and traffic decongestion plans for the identified cities, along with short- and long-term interventions. He called for a comprehensive strategy to liquidate legacy waste and directed immediate deployment of Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines wherever gaps exist. It was noted that around 600 locations have been identified in Alwar and Bhiwadi for roadside plantation with community participation.

Yadav also directed immediate closure notices to non-compliant industrial units that have not installed Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems. He stressed focused information, education and communication initiatives involving industries and resident welfare associations, and called for greening drives using local plant species in mission mode.