Delhi-NCR Gears Up for Winter Pollution as High-Level Task Force Reviews Air Quality Measures

Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired a High-Level Task Force meeting on September 24, 2024, at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to evaluate the readiness of various stakeholders in addressing the worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR, particularly with the onset of winter. The meeting focused on assessing efforts to control pollution sources such as paddy stubble burning, vehicular emissions, construction dust, solid waste, and the use of diesel generator (DG) sets.

Dr. Mishra highlighted the urgent need for strict implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to prevent further degradation of air quality during the winter months. He underscored the importance of timely interventions by relevant agencies to mitigate pollution.

Paddy Straw Management and Stubble Burning

Rajesh Verma, Chairman of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), presented an overview of the upcoming paddy straw production in Punjab and Haryana, estimating 19.52 million tonnes in Punjab and 8.10 million tonnes in Haryana. Both states have committed to eliminating stubble burning this year. Punjab aims to manage 11.5 million tonnes of its paddy straw through in-situ methods, with the remainder handled through ex-situ processes. Similarly, Haryana plans to handle 3.3 million tonnes in-situ, with ex-situ methods for the rest.

Punjab is set to deploy over 1.50 lakh Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines, supported by 24,736 Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), while Haryana will use 90,945 CRM machines supported by 6,794 CHCs. Additionally, 2 million tonnes of paddy straw will be co-fired in 11 thermal power plants across the NCR, with regular monitoring to ensure targets are met, and penalties imposed for non-compliance.

Progress in Industrial and Construction Dust Pollution Control

On the industrial front, CAQM reported that 220 out of 240 industrial areas in NCR have been connected to gas infrastructure, with the remaining areas expected to be connected soon. Dust pollution from construction and demolition activities is being remotely tracked via a dedicated web portal, with mandatory registration for projects exceeding 500 square meters.

Ensuring Stubble Burning Prevention and Strengthening Support for Small Industries

Dr. Mishra directed the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to closely monitor the implementation of action plans aimed at eliminating stubble burning. He stressed the full utilization of CRM machinery, enhancing the supply chain for ex-situ management, and supporting small industries in briquetting and pelletizing paddy straw for economic use. Violators of these measures will face strict penalties.

Boosting Public Transport and Environmental Programs

The Principal Secretary urged state authorities to expand e-bus services under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme, which aims to introduce 10,000 e-buses nationwide. He also emphasized the importance of the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" program to inspire individuals to participate in greening initiatives within cities.

State governments were advised to strictly enforce bans on firecrackers to prevent pollution spikes during the festive season. Additionally, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas was urged to accelerate the collection of biomass and expedite the construction of CBG plants.