New Delhi: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Saturday directed Delhi and neighbouring states to intensify enforcement of pollution-control measures, stressing the need for coordinated, time-bound action as winter pollution worsens across the National Capital Region (NCR).
At a review meeting with officials from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, Yadav called for real-time monitoring and accountability of field officers. States were asked to appoint senior officials to oversee pollution-control measures in key cities and submit weekly progress reports to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
He directed authorities to install automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, warning that CAQM could initiate criminal prosecution against erring transport officials after November 30. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was also asked to seal 191 identified polluting industries that had failed to order air pollution control devices despite repeated directions.
Reviewing road dust management, Yadav noted that only 3,221 km of the targeted 5,480 km of roads had been redeveloped. He called for faster road repairs, intensified mechanical sweeping and urgent measures to ease congestion at 233 identified traffic points.
The minister also sought stricter action against polluting vehicles and industries, faster replacement of old commercial vehicles and improved waste processing. States were directed to address a daily shortfall of 6,747 tonnes in municipal solid waste processing capacity and prevent open dumping and burning.
Yadav called for targeted action at pollution hotspots, including markets, schools, hospitals, railway stations and bus terminals. He also emphasised technology-driven monitoring through integrated command centres and regular field inspections to ensure compliance with pollution-control measures.
