Environment Minister pushes for online tracking of polluting industries in Delhi-NCR

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday emphasised the need to swiftly set up an online pollution monitoring system for industries across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), as part of ongoing efforts to curb air pollution.

The proposal came during a review meeting called to access the progress made by various agencies of Central and state governments in Air Quality Management in Delhi-NCR after the previous meeting held nearly a month ago on September 16.

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Noting that multiple agencies are involved in tackling Delhi’s air pollution, Yadav stressed the need for coordinated efforts among the Central and state governments, district administrations, and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation on the ground.

Yadav also reviewed the status of paddy-straw management in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh — noting that stubble burning in these states remains one of the key contributors to Delhi’s winter smog. For ex-situ management of the stubble, such as converting it into pellets for energy use, he directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to assess the availability of storage space for these pellets at thermal power plants and pelletisation units that manufacture the value-added products.

During the meeting, Yadav also instructed the pollution watchdog to conduct meetings with Delhi government for effective utilisation of the construction and demolition waste.

The meeting witnessed participation from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NITI Aayog, CAQM, CPCB, Government of NCT of Delhi, Pollution Control Boards of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and other concerned agencies.