Delhi-NCR's Battle Against Air Pollution: A Comprehensive Directive

Rajesh Verma, chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management, addresses the complexities of tackling air pollution in Delhi-NCR. New directives include registering only electric three-wheelers in Delhi by 2027, enforcing fuel restrictions without PUC, and eliminating paddy stubble burning by 2026 to improve air quality.

The Delhi-NCR region faces a complex issue in combating air pollution, according to Rajesh Verma, chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). During the inaugural Clean Air Dialogues hosted by the CAQM Resource Lab, Verma highlighted the multi-sectoral sources of emissions, such as transport and biomass burning, complicating the scenario.

The CAQM has outlined three critical directives. From January 1, 2027, only electric three-wheelers of the L5 category will be registered in Delhi, extending to other regions by 2029. Additionally, vehicles in the NCR must possess a Pollution Under Control certificate to receive fuel from October 1.

To tackle stubble burning, the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have been instructed to implement action plans for its complete elimination by the 2026 harvest. Tarun Kumar Pithode from the CAQM emphasized the need for effective execution and collaboration with local agencies for pollution mitigation.