Context:
• The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has implemented a series of proactive, preventive, and enforcement measures to contain air pollution across Delhi-NCR during 2025.
• These interventions — spanning industrial, vehicular, waste management, and construction sectors — have resulted in measurable improvements in air quality indices compared to the previous year.
• The CAQM continues to work closely with State Governments (Punjab, Haryana, UP, Delhi), local bodies, and pollution control agencies to ensure effective execution of statutory directions.
Key Highlights:
- Improved Air Quality Trends (Jan–Nov 2025)
• Average AQI (Jan 1–Nov 9, 2025): 175, improved from 189 during the same period in 2024.
• PM2.5 concentration: 75 µg/m³ (↓ from 87 µg/m³ in 2024).
• PM10 concentration: 170 µg/m³ (↓ from 191 µg/m³).
• Indicates an overall decline in particulate pollution levels due to sustained mitigation efforts and stricter enforcement. - Reduction in Stubble Burning Incidents
• Punjab: Recorded 4,062 farm fire incidents (↓ 35.2% from 6,266 in 2024).
• Haryana: Recorded 333 incidents (↓ 65.3% from 959 in 2024).
• Regular coordination meetings with senior state officials to ensure real-time monitoring and compliance with anti-stubble burning directives.
• Key strategy: Integration of satellite data, district-level enforcement, and farmer awareness campaigns to promote in-situ crop residue management (CRM). - Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management & Waste-to-Energy Initiatives
• Over 23 lakh tonnes of legacy waste bio-mined in Delhi.
• New Waste-to-Energy (WtE) capacity of 7,000 TPD and Bio-CNG/CBG capacity of 750 TPD under development.
• Parallel legacy waste remediation underway in Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad.
• Fire and emission control: CAQM directed installation of CCTV, methane detectors, fire suppression systems, and PPE at landfill sites.
• June 2025 directives: Zero tolerance for open waste burning, night surveillance, and citizen awareness campaigns with RWAs and local bodies. - Implementation of GRAP – Stages I & II in Force
• Based on IMD and IITM forecasts, Stages I and II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were enforced in October 2025:
- Stage I (AQI 201–300): Enforced on 14 Oct 2025.
- Stage II (AQI 301–400): Enforced on 19 Oct 2025.
• Measures implemented: - Mechanical road sweeping, water sprinkling, and anti-smog gun deployment.
- Regulation of diesel generator (DG) sets and construction dust control.
• Aims to preemptively prevent air quality deterioration based on real-time meteorological predictions.
- Tackling Vehicular Emissions at Source
• Fleet Modernization:
- All inter-city buses from NCR states transitioned to EV/CNG/BS-VI diesel.
- Similar standards extended to inter-state buses from adjoining states (Punjab, HP, Uttarakhand, MP, J&K).
• Goods Vehicle Restrictions: - Entry of BS-III and below commercial goods vehicles into Delhi banned from 1 Nov 2025, except those registered in Delhi.
• E-Mobility Transition: - From 1 Jan 2026, only CNG and electric 3-wheelers permitted for aggregators, delivery, and e-service platforms — no petrol/diesel induction allowed.
- Industrial Emission Control & Compliance Monitoring
• Out of 240 industrial areas in NCR, PNG infrastructure established in 224; over 96% industries have shifted to approved clean fuels.
• OCEMS Cell (Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System) set up to track real-time emissions from industrial stacks.
- 3,551 units identified for OCEMS installation.
• Flying Squads: Conducted 24,080 inspections across industries, C&D sites, and other entities. - 1,556 units closed for non-compliance.
• Enforcement ensures stringent adherence to emission norms and cleaner industrial operations.
- Construction and Demolition (C&D) Dust Mitigation
• All sites over 500 sq. metres must register on State PCBs/DPCC web portals and conduct self-audits with uploaded compliance reports.
• 2025 Progress:
- 6,000+ sites registered; 30,000+ inspections conducted.
- 250+ non-compliant sites penalized or closed.
• Mandatory measures: - Dust barriers, material covering, water sprinkling, and anti-smog guns.
• Expansion of C&D waste processing facilities and promotion of recycled material use in construction projects.
- Greening and Urban Plantation Drives
• In FY 2025–26 (till Sept), over 4.37 crore saplings planted, surpassing targets.
• Focus on:
- Urban forests (Miyawaki technique) and green buffers along roads and industrial corridors.
- Use of treated wastewater for irrigation to reduce fresh water use.
• Collaboration with schools, RWAs, and public institutions for citizen-led plantation and awareness drives.
- Institutional Monitoring and Coordination
• Continuous monitoring by CAQM in coordination with:
- NCR State Governments, Pollution Control Boards/Committees, and Urban Local Bodies.
• Sector-wise performance reviews conducted regularly to ensure timely implementation of statutory directions.
• Goal: To sustain improvement trends and maintain year-round air quality management.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Agency: Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) – statutory body under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• Regions Covered: Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh (NCR and adjoining areas).
• Key Framework: Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
• Key Data (2025):
- AQI 175 (↓ from 189).
- PM2.5: 75 µg/m³; PM10: 170 µg/m³.
- Farm fires: Punjab ↓ 35.2%; Haryana ↓ 65.3%.
- 4.37 crore saplings planted (till Sept 2025–26).
Relevant Mains Points:
- Demonstrates multi-sectoral strategy for pollution reduction across NCR. – GS Paper 3 – Environment & Ecology
- Emphasizes source-based mitigation (vehicles, industry, waste, C&D).
- Strengthens implementation of CAQM’s statutory powers and scientific data monitoring.
• GS Paper 2 – Governance: - Illustrates inter-governmental coordination and policy enforcement between Centre and States.
- Promotes citizen participation and awareness-based environmental governance.
• GS Paper 3 – Sustainable Development: - Integrates waste-to-energy, greening, and circular economy models into pollution control strategy.