Bhupendra Yadav reviews Rajasthan and Punjab action plans to tackle Delhi-NCR air pollution.

New Delhi, January 6, 2026: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the action plans of Rajasthan and Punjab aimed at curbing air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.

This was the fifth meeting in the ongoing series of ministerial reviews, conducted as per prescribed parameters and formats outlined during the previous meeting held on December 3, 2025.

Expressing serious concern over the year-round deterioration of air quality in Delhi-NCR, the Minister announced that from January 2026, such reviews will be held every month at the ministerial level.

He directed that sector-wise, targeted action plans be prepared, with clear accountability fixed on the executing departments.

As the plans are being formulated nearly eight months in advance, he said that effective implementation would yield visible improvements in the next pollution season.

Bhupendra Yadav assured that implementation-related bottlenecks would be resolved through regular inter-state coordination meetings at the highest level.

Bhupendra Yadav reviews Rajasthan’s action plan:

While reviewing Rajasthan’s action plan, Bhupendra Yadav highlighted significant public transport gaps in Alwar, Bhiwadi, Neemrana, and Bharatpur.

He directed that electric buses be produced on priority, and a time-bound proposal be submitted.

He also stressed the need to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure in urban areas, as well as along highways and expressways, in a mission mode.

The issue of unplanned truck parking along national highways in Bhiwadi and Neemrana was flagged as a major contributor to congestion and pollution.

 Bhupendra Yadav called for the immediate identification of designated parking lots and the preparation of a comprehensive parking management plan.

City-specific road redevelopment plans were sought for Alwar, Bhiwadi, Neemrana, and Bharatpur.

Traffic congestion points are to be identified, and short-term and long-term decongestion plans prepared.

Bhupendra Yadav also directed the development of a comprehensive legacy waste liquidation scheme and the immediate deployment of Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs) wherever gaps exist.

It was informed during the meeting that 600 locations have been identified in Alwar and Bhiwadi for roadside tree plantation, with community participation as part of greening initiatives.

Punjab’s Action Plan and Crop Residue Management:

Reviewing Punjab’s presentation, Bhupendra Yadav emphasized ensuring that Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines are functional and used efficiently.

He directed the preparation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for certifying machines in proper working condition.

Bhupendra Yadav requested the Ministry of Agriculture to explore innovative solutions, in consultation with stakeholders and the scientific community, to strengthen crop residue management and effectively curb stubble burning.

He underlined the need for introspection on the effectiveness of existing measures.

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EOM.