PMO task force to address Delhi-NCR's winter air pollution crisis
ECONOMY & POLICY

PMO task force to address Delhi-NCR's winter air pollution crisis

As winter approaches, a high-level task force, led by Dr P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, convened at the Prime Minister’s Office to develop strategies for tackling Delhi-NCR's persistent air pollution problem. The task force evaluated ongoing efforts to mitigate pollution from stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollutants.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was identified as a critical framework that requires strict enforcement to curb the severe pollution typically experienced during winter. Dr. Mishra stressed the need for coordinated, proactive actions from all stakeholders to address the issue.

A major focus of the discussion was agricultural stubble management. Shri Rajesh Verma, Chairman of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), reported that Punjab and Haryana are set to manage 11.5 million tonnes and 3.3 million tonnes of paddy straw, respectively, using both in-situ and ex-situ methods. Both states have pledged to eliminate stubble burning this year, which has been a major contributor to the region's air quality problems in the past.

The task force also reviewed plans to integrate 2 million tonnes of paddy straw into the fuel mix at 11 thermal power plants in the NCR, aiming to reduce pollution from conventional energy sources. Regular monitoring and penalties for non-compliance were emphasised to ensure the success of these initiatives.

On the industrial front, most NCR industrial zones are now connected to cleaner gas infrastructure, significantly lowering emissions. The meeting also addressed dust pollution from construction activities, calling for strict enforcement of dust control measures, especially for large projects now monitored through a dedicated web portal.

Dr. Mishra directed the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to ensure the strict implementation of stubble management plans, advocating full use of crop residue management equipment and support for industries converting stubble into energy-efficient products.

He also urged NCR states to expand electric bus fleets under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme, with a target of 10,000 e-buses, to reduce vehicular emissions. Additionally, he called for strict enforcement of firecracker bans during the festive season and expedited development of compressed biogas (CBG) plants to diversify energy sources and reduce biomass burning.

The meeting, attended by senior officials including the Cabinet Secretary, Delhi Police Commissioner, and representatives from various ministries and state governments, underscored the collective commitment to improving air quality in one of India’s most pollution-affected regions.

(ET)

As winter approaches, a high-level task force, led by Dr P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, convened at the Prime Minister’s Office to develop strategies for tackling Delhi-NCR's persistent air pollution problem. The task force evaluated ongoing efforts to mitigate pollution from stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollutants. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was identified as a critical framework that requires strict enforcement to curb the severe pollution typically experienced during winter. Dr. Mishra stressed the need for coordinated, proactive actions from all stakeholders to address the issue. A major focus of the discussion was agricultural stubble management. Shri Rajesh Verma, Chairman of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), reported that Punjab and Haryana are set to manage 11.5 million tonnes and 3.3 million tonnes of paddy straw, respectively, using both in-situ and ex-situ methods. Both states have pledged to eliminate stubble burning this year, which has been a major contributor to the region's air quality problems in the past. The task force also reviewed plans to integrate 2 million tonnes of paddy straw into the fuel mix at 11 thermal power plants in the NCR, aiming to reduce pollution from conventional energy sources. Regular monitoring and penalties for non-compliance were emphasised to ensure the success of these initiatives. On the industrial front, most NCR industrial zones are now connected to cleaner gas infrastructure, significantly lowering emissions. The meeting also addressed dust pollution from construction activities, calling for strict enforcement of dust control measures, especially for large projects now monitored through a dedicated web portal. Dr. Mishra directed the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to ensure the strict implementation of stubble management plans, advocating full use of crop residue management equipment and support for industries converting stubble into energy-efficient products. He also urged NCR states to expand electric bus fleets under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme, with a target of 10,000 e-buses, to reduce vehicular emissions. Additionally, he called for strict enforcement of firecracker bans during the festive season and expedited development of compressed biogas (CBG) plants to diversify energy sources and reduce biomass burning. The meeting, attended by senior officials including the Cabinet Secretary, Delhi Police Commissioner, and representatives from various ministries and state governments, underscored the collective commitment to improving air quality in one of India’s most pollution-affected regions. (ET)

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?