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13 January 2026|The Hindu
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Environment & EcologyPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Union Minister Directs Delhi Govt. to Address Road Dust Pollution

Union Environment Minister urges Delhi to implement measures for curbing air pollution.

Background Context

The problem of air pollution in Delhi, particularly dust pollution, has deep historical roots. While industrialization and urbanization have undoubtedly exacerbated the issue, traditional practices like open burning of agricultural residue and construction activities have long contributed to particulate matter in the air. The introduction of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act in 1981 marked an early attempt to address air quality concerns nationwide. However, its implementation in Delhi faced challenges due to rapid population growth, increasing vehicle density, and inadequate infrastructure. The late 1990s saw the introduction of CNG for public transport, a significant step, but the overall problem persisted, requiring continuous and evolving strategies.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav directed the Delhi government to address recurring issues causing dust pollution on roads. During a review meeting on 13 January 2026, the Minister emphasized specific measures, including a 'smart traffic management system' and mechanized road sweeping, to curb air pollution. Discussions also included incentivizing electric vehicles, expanding charging infrastructure, introducing congestion charges, implementing smart parking management, and adopting a uniform vehicle registration policy for the NCR.

Key Facts

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Bhupender Yadav: Address road dust pollution

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Smart traffic management: Curb air pollution

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Congestion charges: Discussed for NCR

Latest Developments

In recent years, Delhi has witnessed increased focus on combating air pollution through various initiatives. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), implemented based on air quality indices, has become a regular feature. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas, established in 2021, has been playing a crucial role in coordinating efforts across states. There's growing emphasis on promoting electric vehicles (EVs) through subsidies and infrastructure development. The future outlook involves greater integration of technology, such as real-time air quality monitoring and data analytics, to inform policy decisions and targeted interventions. Furthermore, regional cooperation among states in the NCR is expected to intensify to address transboundary pollution sources.

1 Key Concept to Understand

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