Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav informed the Lok Sabha on Monday that a monitoring system has been established to oversee the implementation of 95 directions issued by the Centre-appointed Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The minister was responding to questions on the severe air pollution affecting Delhi and surrounding areas, but he did not comment on whether the Delhi government has fully used the Rs 1,200-crore fund allocated for clean air initiatives.
No Direct Comment on Delhi Government’s Fund Utilisation
In his written reply, Yadav refrained from accusing the Delhi government of under-utilising Central funds, despite being asked directly by Congress MP Dr. Kirsan Namdeo Rao. The Congress leader had sought clarity on how the government is responding to the dangerously high pollution levels in Delhi and the consequent health risks for citizens.
Instead, Yadav emphasized the role of the Commission for Air Quality Management in Delhi-NCR, a Central authority. He noted that all 95 statutory directions have been issued and a monitoring mechanism is in place to ensure compliance by “various agencies” across the National Capital Region.
Implementation Status of Clean Air Initiatives
Regarding the utilisation of funds under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the minister said that the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD) has reported beginning several initiatives. These include the purchase of 14 mechanical road sweepers, comprehensive road paving, and the greening of 2.6 hectares. The New Delhi Municipal Council has also started procuring four anti-smog guns running on BS-VI CNG and seven modified anti-smog water guns for high-rise buildings, along with road improvement work. However, Yadav did not provide any figures on actual expenditure versus the sanctioned amount.
Central Measures Highlighted Amid Accountability Questions
When asked about accountability for any under-utilisation of funds and whether Delhi’s policy gaps have worsened air pollution, the minister did not directly respond. Instead, he highlighted central measures such as:
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Tougher emission standards compared to national norms.
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A revised and more stringent Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) notified on 21 November 2025.
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Multiple high-level review meetings led by the Union Minister.
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Critical gap funding provided to Delhi under NCAP.
The reply also claimed improvements in Delhi’s air quality this year, with 200 “good to moderate” AQI days in 2025 compared to 110 in 2016, and the lowest annual average AQI in eight years (excluding the 2020 COVID lockdown).
Revised GRAP Introduces Earlier Measures
The updated GRAP includes stricter measures implemented at earlier stages of air pollution:
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Continuous power supply, traffic synchronisation, and additional CNG/electric bus services will start at Stage I (Poor AQI 201-300) instead of Stage II.
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Staggered office timings move from Stage III to Stage II.
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50% work-from-home for offices shifts from Stage IV to Stage III.
With Delhi’s AQI in the “Very Poor” range for much of November and forecasts predicting “Severe” pollution in the coming week, the effectiveness of the revised GRAP and the actual utilisation of Central funds by the Delhi government are likely to remain under close public and political scrutiny this winter.
