Delhi-NCR Gets Winter-Ready: High-Level Task Force Tackles Air Quality Crisis

A High-Level Task Force led by Dr. P. K. Mishra evaluated efforts to combat deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR. The meeting emphasized the timely implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), elimination of stubble burning, and introduction of electric buses, among other measures for the upcoming winter season.

Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired a crucial High-Level Task Force meeting on Monday at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to evaluate the preparedness of stakeholders in addressing the issue of deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR. With the winter season fast approaching, the focus was on assessing ongoing efforts to reduce pollution from various sources such as paddy stubble burning, vehicular emissions, road and construction dust, solid waste management, and diesel generator (DG) sets.

Highlighting the need for strict and timely implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Dr. Mishra urged all relevant agencies to act decisively to mitigate worsening air quality. Rajesh Verma, Chairman of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), presented estimates of paddy straw generation—19.52 million tonnes in Punjab and 8.10 million tonnes in Haryana. Both states have pledged to eliminate stubble burning this year through specific in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management strategies.

Additionally, 2 million tonnes of paddy straw will be co-fired in 11 thermal power plants across the NCR region. The meeting also saw discussions on industrial pollution, including the installation of gas infrastructure in 220 out of 240 industrial areas in the NCR. Dust from construction is being monitored remotely, requiring projects over 500 square metres to register.

The Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh were instructed to rigorously monitor and enforce action plans to eliminate stubble burning. Efforts will be focused on maximizing the use of crop residue management (CRM) machines and supporting small industries in briquetting and pelletising operations to make economic use of paddy straw. The Principal Secretary also asked state leaders to improve electric bus services and urged the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to expedite biomass collection and the construction of compressed biogas (CBG) plants.