Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday led a review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to assess the citys pollution control measures. By Thursday morning, air quality in the national capital showed notable improvement, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) dropping to 299 at 8 am, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. In comparison, the AQI was 342 at 4 pm on December 3, falling in the very poor range. Some areas recorded better readings, moving into the poor category—Najafgarh logged an AQI of 286, IGI Airport T3 255, Sri Aurobindo Marg 283, and North Campus 281.

Meanwhile, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that the Centre has directed the Delhi government to prepare a comprehensive plan for next year to combat air pollution. Speaking to the media, he said pothole-related dust remains a major contributor and emphasized efforts to increase green spaces in the city. He noted that officials have identified 61 traffic pollution hotspots.

Yadav further mentioned that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is forming an expert panel on vehicular emissions and that meetings will be held in December with authorities in Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad and Gurgaon. He added that discussions with Haryana and Punjab on stubble management will take place in Chandigarh.

Highlighting the Centre’s measures, he said the Urban Development Ministry is focusing on improving solid waste management, and that stubble burning has reduced by 90 percent since 2018 due to the availability of CRM machines. Yadav concluded that the government will work at the grassroots level on the next year’s action plan, aiming to involve local bodies and youth. He also referenced initiatives like the Prime Minister’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and Mission Life, which promote a citizen-focused environmental approach.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.