Centre Reviews Delhi-NCR Pollution, CM Rekha Gupta Calls High-Level Meet As AQI Slips Into Severe

Delhi Chokes: Smog Thickens, Ethiopian Ash Cloud Seen Over City

Amid the concern over the rising air quality index (AQI) in the national capital, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called separate meetings on Wednesday.

Delhi woke up to yet another smog-laden morning on Monday, with air quality dipping into the ‘severe’ zone. According to the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s AQI climbed to 390 — a steep rise from 304 the previous day and 279 on Sunday.

The meeting called by the Chief Minister will be attended by Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, along with officials from the DDA, MCD, CAQM, PWD, and all other concerned departments.

Union Environment Minister Reviews AQI Situation In Delhi-NCR

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav also chaired a high-level review meeting on Air Pollution in Delhi NCR today and asked all concerned State/UT authorities to expedite the on-ground implementation of all decisions taken in the the previous five meetings to improve Air Quality in Delhi-NCR.

He reviewed progress on key areas: repairing and developing roads, controlling dust by completing pavements, managing construction waste, improving industrial compliance, and strengthening public transport.

Officials were told to fast-track Mechanical Road Sweeper deployment and adopt app-based monitoring to let citizens report issues in real time.

A major discussion revolved around industries. Over 2,200 high-polluting units in NCR have been directed to install emission-monitoring systems and pollution-control devices by December 31 2025. Yadav warned that units failing to comply would face strict action, including closure.

The Union minister said that Delhi’s 62 hotspots must be addressed urgently through better traffic management, removal of encroachments and quick installation of foot-over bridges.

The meeting also highlighted the push toward electric public transport, with 3,400 e-buses already running and 5,000 expected by March.

Yadav further urged officials to identify greening sites, revive eco-clubs in schools, and involve citizens in restoring parks, waterbodies and degraded land.