Delhi CM Rekha Gupta will head a new high-level panel to monitor air pollution in the national capital. The panel will include Delhi cabinet ministers, government department representatives, and expert scientists.
The move aims to enforce stricter pollution controls and ensure timely action against violators, including individuals, private companies, and government agencies.
Delhi’s air quality stayed in the ‘very poor’ category for the third consecutive day on Wednesday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 333 as of 5:30 pm. Nehru Nagar recorded the highest AQI at 388, while Mandir Marg had the lowest at 236.
The panel will focus on monitoring hotspots, analyzing real-time data, and recommending immediate corrective actions to improve air quality.
The central government has ordered Delhi-NCR authorities to act against highly polluting industries that have not installed Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) and air pollution control devices.
CPCB chairman Vir Vikram Yadav said 2,254 such industries in Delhi-NCR have yet to connect their emission monitoring systems to the CPCB server. He warned that non-compliant industries could face strict action, including potential closure, if they fail to meet the December 31 deadline.
States in Delhi-NCR have also been asked to finalize their 2026 air pollution control plans within a month.
The Delhi High Court recently heard a plea seeking urgent measures to curb pollution. The court advised the petitioner to approach the Supreme Court, noting that the top court has been actively monitoring Delhi’s air quality.
“A similar matter is pending before the Supreme Court, and the situation in and around Delhi is being monitored here. Tell us, why should we entertain this?” Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya said.
This highlights the ongoing legal scrutiny of air quality management and pollution control in the capital region.
All Delhi government departments have been instructed to levy penalties for pollution violations. This includes fines on residents, private agencies, and government offices that contribute to worsening air quality.
The panel is expected to review daily AQI reports, recommend enforcement actions, and coordinate with CPCB and other authorities to implement effective measures.
