Top PMO official expresses concern over slow pace of clearing Delhi’s landfills

Chairing a meeting of the high-level task force to combat air pollution, Mishra “expressed concern over slow pace of clearance of landfill sites in Delhi and delays in implementation of waste to energy plans by MCD”, an official statement said.

Mishra asked the Union Environment and Housing & Urban Affairs Ministries and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to resolve the issues. The meeting was attended by officials from the Delhi government, Union Housing and Urban Affairs and Environment ministries, Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi Municipal Council and the Commission for Air Quality Management.

Delhi Chief Secretary Dharmendra presented a report on the air quality management efforts made in 2024, highlighting that construction dust, burning of biomass and vehicular emissions continue to be the key sources of pollution in the winter. He said the fleet of electric buses is being increased, mechanised road cleaning and efforts to stop burning of waste are ongoing.

Mishra expressed concern over the persistent air quality issues and underlined the need for enforcing existing laws, the statement said. He also asked officials to come up with a roadmap for prioritising electric vehicles, particularly for commercial, government and public transports.