'Strict measures must': Centre gives air ultimatum to Delhi-NCR authorities

UNion environs government minister Bhupender Yadav has directed authorities in new delhi and the subject working capital Region (NCR) to ensure visible improvement in air quality across the region within one week.Chairing a review meeting of action plans of Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh with the municipal bodies concerned on Friday - as Delhi clocked a “very poor” air quality index (AQI) of 376 on Friday - Yadav emphasised that the momentum of actions must be sustained until there is visible improvement in air quality within a week.“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,” Yadav has said.Also read: Orange alert as fog, bad air to smother Delhi’s weekendThis was the fourth review meeting held in recent weeks, as air quality has started to deteriorate. Yadav said meetings will be held every month from January 2026 to review action plans prepared by states and address implementation bottlenecks through interstate coordination meetings at the highest level.In a communique issued by the Union environment ministry, directions were also issued to ensure smooth traffic management at 62 traffic hot spots in the region and to promote EV/CNG buses for employees of corporates and industrial units in the region. Staggered timings for offices, shopping malls and commercial complexes were also suggested to reduce peak-hour congestion.The Centre directed Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida to fast-track the implementation of the Integrated Smart Traffic Management System (ITMS).Also read: Delhi in pollution chokehold as visibility drops, AQI breaches ‘severe’ mark in places; flights hitYadav also underscored coordinated planning with Metro rail authorities to improve last-mile connectivity, removal of encroachments causing traffic within 10 days, ensure annual maintenance contracts for pothole-free roads, and proper drainage to prevent monsoon damage to roads.“Coordinated redressal of public grievances related to pollution was to be ensured under CAQM’s supervision, along with focused IEC activities for stakeholder engagement,” the ministry said.The note read, “Yadav emphasised on taking necessary steps to ensure visible improvement in the prevailing air quality situation across the NCR within one week. He 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.”