High-Level Meeting Focuses on Urgent Air Pollution Measures in Delhi-NCR

P K Mishra, the principal secretary to the prime minister, reviewed efforts to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR, emphasizing the transition to electric vehicles and implementation of the air pollution control plan. Chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh were instructed to enforce action plans against stubble burning, expand EV infrastructure, and support small industries in using paddy straw economically.

In a high-level task force meeting at the Prime Minister's Office on Monday, principal secretary to the prime minister, P K Mishra, reviewed the readiness of various stakeholders to address air pollution in Delhi-NCR during the winter season.

He emphasized the urgent need to transition to electric vehicles and strictly implement the air pollution control plan. Mishra instructed the chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to enforce strict measures against stubble burning, fully utilize crop residue management machines, and support small industries in economically using paddy straw.

Senior officials, including the cabinet secretary, Delhi police chief, and representatives from ministries such as environment, agriculture, power, petroleum, road transport, housing, and animal husbandry, attended the meeting. Mishra highlighted the importance of promoting electric vehicles and expanding EV charging infrastructure in NCR areas. He also called for the effective implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and a ban on firecrackers to manage air quality.

The chairman of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Rajesh Verma, provided updates on the estimated generation and management of paddy straw in Punjab and Haryana, the co-firing of paddy straw in thermal power plants, and the extension of gas infrastructure in industrial areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)