NCR states to submit 2026 annual pollution action plans by year-end: Bhupender Yadav

These directions were initially issued in October, and the CPCB is overseeing their compliance through state boards.

Environment Secretary Tanmay Kumar said that the Centre is reviewing stricter emission norms for these industrial sectors, based on a report prepared by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Yadav reviewed actions against air pollution along with senior officials from Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab, as well as municipal commissioners of NCR cities.

“This was our sixth review meeting this year, and our efforts have shown gradual improvements, but we must sustain these efforts and take them ahead. Hence, before 2026, we have sought annual plans from NCR states and concerned civic bodies,” Yadav said. When asked about vehicular pollution, Yadav said that the CAQM has decided to form an expert committee that will deliberate with all stakeholders.

The Centre’s nudge seeking action on industrial pollution and plans to form an expert committee on vehicular pollution come in the wake of a high-level task force meeting chaired by P K Mishra, principal secretary to the Prime Minister, on October 23. Installation of pollution control devices, dust control, greening efforts and vehicular pollution were all flagged during the PMO meeting.

62 congestion-prone traffic hotspots identified

CAQM chairperson Rajesh Verma said that the high-level meeting on Wednesday saw discussion on all issues related to air pollution, ranging from dust management, greening, industries, road repairs and stubble burning. Verma said after the meeting that it was decided to work on 62 traffic hotspots in the short term to reduce emissions due to congestion.

Verma said that between January and November, Delhi has seen only three days with a severe air quality index, and added that concentration of particulate matter 2.5 and 10 (PM 2.5 and PM 10) was lower in this period compared to the last three years.

‘Can’t tamper with air quality monitoring data’

CPCB chairman Yadav said that of the 3,500 identified polluting industries, 2,254 are yet to install online continuous emission monitoring systems and air pollution cutting devices. OCEMS feeds real-time emission data to CPCB servers, which forms the basis of action against industries that emit pollutants over permissible limits. “If these industries do not install the monitoring devices by the year-end, they will face stringent action, and even closure,” he added.

Responding to criticism and allegations of faulty air quality monitoring data, Yadav denied any interference and said these pollution monitoring stations generate data automatically. “We cannot tamper with them…these stations have been sited at these locations after scientific studies,” he said.

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