New Delhi [India], November 15 (HBTV): The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has reported a notable improvement in Delhi’s air quality this year, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) between January 1 and November 9, 2025, recorded at 175, compared to 189 during the same period in 2024. PM2.5 and PM10 levels have also fallen to 75 µg/m³ and 170 µg/m³ respectively, down from 87 µg/m³ and 191 µg/m³ last year.
A significant reduction in farm fire incidents has been observed in Punjab and Haryana. Between September 15 and November 9, Punjab recorded 4,062 fire events, marking a 35.2 per cent decline from 6,266 incidents in 2024. Haryana registered 333 cases, down 65.3 per cent from 959 last year. The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) continues to review the situation to ensure strict enforcement of statutory directions aimed at curbing stubble burning.
Legacy waste processing has also progressed, with over 23 lakh tonnes of dumpsite waste bio-mined in Delhi. Additional infrastructure, including 7,000 tonnes per day of Waste-to-Energy capacity and 750 tonnes per day of Bio-CNG/CBG capacity, is under development. Parallel efforts in Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad aim to eliminate legacy waste entirely.
To prevent fires and emissions at landfill sites, CAQM has directed the installation of CCTV cameras, methane detectors, fire-suppression systems and protective equipment for workers. In June 2025, the Commission introduced measures such as zero tolerance for open waste burning, enhanced night-time surveillance and wider citizen awareness campaigns in collaboration with RWAs, industry groups and local bodies.
GRAP Stages I and II in effect across NCR
Stages I and II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) remain in force across the National Capital Region. Stage I (AQI 201–300) was implemented on October 14, 2025, followed by Stage II (AQI 301–400) on October 19, 2025. Measures include increased deployment of mechanical road sweeping machines, intensified use of anti-smog guns, sprinkling operations and regulated use of diesel generator sets.
Vehicular emissions continue to be a major contributor to particulate pollution. All inter-city buses travelling to Delhi from NCR states have transitioned to cleaner fuels such as electric, CNG or BS-VI diesel. Similar directions have been extended to inter-state buses from neighbouring states. The entry of BS-III and below commercial goods vehicles into Delhi has been banned since November 1, 2025, except those registered in the national capital. From January 1, 2026, only CNG and electric three-wheelers will be permitted for induction into fleets managed by aggregators and delivery service providers.
Industrial and construction sector compliance
CAQM has overseen the transition of over 96 per cent of industries in NCR to approved cleaner fuels, with PNG infrastructure available in 224 of the region’s 240 industrial areas. A dedicated Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System Cell tracks real-time emissions from industrial units. Of 3,551 units identified for OCEMS installation, many are already operational. Flying Squads have conducted over 24,000 inspections across the region, leading to closure directions against 1,556 non-compliant units.
Construction sites larger than 500 square metres must now register on state pollution control portals and upload compliance reports. More than 6,000 construction sites were registered in 2025, with over 30,000 inspections carried out. Over 250 non-compliant sites faced closure or penalties. Authorities continue to enforce dust mitigation rules, including dust barriers, water sprinkling and the use of anti-smog guns.
Efforts are underway to increase construction and demolition waste processing capacity and promote the use of recycled materials.
Greening and plantation efforts
More than 4.37 crore saplings have been planted across NCR so far in 2025–26, surpassing annual targets. CAQM emphasises the development of urban forests using the Miyawaki method, green buffers along roads and industrial belts and the use of treated wastewater for irrigation. Citizen participation has expanded through collaborations with schools, RWAs and public institutions.
CAQM continues to monitor the air quality situation in Delhi-NCR, maintaining close coordination with state governments, pollution control boards and urban local bodies to ensure timely enforcement of statutory measures. The Commission is regularly reviewing sector-specific actions to sustain the improvement in air quality. (ANI)