Union Environment Minister directs Delhi to focus on smart traffic management to fight air pollution

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Monday (January 12, 2026) directed the Delhi government to focus on ‘smart traffic management’, smaller mechanised road sweepers and litter pickers for narrow roads, and strengthening end-to-end public transport, among other measures to fight air pollution.

Mr. Yadav also flagged the “recurring” issues with city roads, which lead to dust pollution.

The Minister gave the directions during a review meeting on efforts to fight air pollution in the national capital, attended by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, and senior officials.

“On vehicular pollution, the Minister highlighted the need for smart traffic management, particularly at 62 identified congestion hotspots, to ensure smoother traffic flow. He stressed strict action against polluting vehicles, including a special registration drive, installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at border entry points, and exploration of staggered office timings to reduce peak-hour congestion,” an official statement said.

The Minister also said that measures such as incentivisation of electric vehicles, accelerated expansion of charging infrastructure, congestion charges, smart parking management and a uniform vehicle registration policy for NCR were discussed. Mr. Yadav said that that behavioural change and public participation are critical to successfully combat air pollution.

“Reviewing industrial pollution, it was noted that 227 out of 240 industrial estates in NCR have already shifted to PNG. However, unplanned development and subsequent regularisation of industries outside designated estates remain a concern,” the statement said, adding that the Minister has directed that strict action be taken against illegally operating and non-conforming units.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) informed the Minister that they have issued notices to 88 units that have not installed Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS).

To control road dust, the Minister stressed the need for end-to-end paving, plantation of local shrub varieties in a mission mode and greening works involving the Eco Task Force, NCC, and NSS. Redevelopment of over 3,300 km of roads in Delhi is planned in the coming year, with dust abatement and traffic management integrated into execution, as per the Ministry.

“Mechanised Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs) are to be widely deployed in an Op-Ex model (not buying machines but asking a third party to operate machines at a cost) with no diesel-based units, along with handheld vacuum machines/ litter pickers for smaller roads. Road maintenance contracts may include pothole repair within 72 hours, and the Delhi Government was requested to review recurring road damage to ensure accountability,” the statement said.

The Minister said that strengthening of end-to-end public transport is needed through accelerated augmentation of Delhi Metro and city bus services, along with improved last-mile connectivity under an Integrated Transport Plan for NCR cities, to encourage greater public transport usage.

“Progress on legacy waste remediation was reviewed, with timelines reiterated for Okhla (July 2026), Bhalswa (October 2026) and Ghazipur (December 2027). Waste collection centres are to be deployed in a 5×5 km grid, app-based waste collection services explored, and facilities for processing 4,600 MT of fresh MSW targeted for completion by September 2027. Waste-to-energy plants at identified locations are to be completed by September 2026,” the statement said.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) informed that a scientific study has been initiated from January through the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), IIT Delhi, IITM Pune and Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to identify pollution sources in Delhi NCR on a real time basis.

The CAQM said that, barring 2020, which was hit by COVID-19 lockdowns, 2025 recorded the best air quality since 2018, reflecting “consistent improvement” in the NCR’s air quality.

“The Delhi Metro Corporation presented its detailed expansion plan in the coming years, while the Delhi Transport Department informed that out of the scheduled bus induction plan of 14,000 buses, an order has been placed with CESL for a total of 3,350 electric buses, all of which will augment the city’s public transport fleet. These buses will be seamlessly integrated with the Delhi Metro network to ensure deeper penetration of public transport into residential, commercial, and high-density areas. This initiative will significantly enhance end-to-end connectivity, reduce dependence on private vehicles, and contribute to a sustained reduction in vehicular emissions across the city. Further, pilot integration of e-autos, bike taxis, and feeder cabs at 10 major metro stations is planned to be executed by January 31, 2026,” the statement said.

Published – January 13, 2026 07:14 am IST