Delhi-NCR air pollution: CAQM in Punjab, MoEFCC reviews UP plan
Why in the news
Ahead of winter, a Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) team reviewed stubble management in Punjab, while Environment Secretary Narendra Bhushan reviewed Uttar Pradesh’s action plan for Delhi-NCR air pollution on 23 October 2026.
Key facts
- CAQM in Punjab: a team led by the CAQM Chairman visited Ropar, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar, inspecting thermal power plants, compressed biogas (CBG) plants, a biomass plant, a Krishi Vigyan Kendra and farm fields.
- In-situ and ex-situ Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines were demonstrated at the KVK.
- Directions: meet co-firing targets at thermal plants, follow emission norms, and make CRM machines available to farmers on time during peak harvest.
- MoEFCC review of UP: covered NCR areas such as Ghaziabad, Meerut, Noida, Greater Noida, Bulandshahr, Hapur, Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar and Shamli; UP reported 11 major steps.
- Suggested ANPR cameras at all fuel stations to enforce ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’.
- Urban bodies urged to create Namo Van under the Nagar Van Yojana.
| Review | Led by | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab field visit | CAQM Chairman | Paddy stubble, co-firing, CRM machines |
| Uttar Pradesh NCR plan | MoEFCC Secretary Narendra Bhushan | Dust, vehicles, waste, industry, greening |
About CAQM
The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas oversees air quality action in Delhi-NCR, and its Chairman led the Punjab field review. UP was also asked to use its Pollution Control Board’s Dust Portal and to link Integrated Command and Control Centres with monitoring of construction sites and waste vehicles.
Exam angle
- UP reported 11 major steps covering road dust, C&D waste, vehicles, industry, greening and stubble.
- Namo Van is promoted under MoEFCC’s Nagar Van Yojana.
- Thermal plants in Punjab must meet prescribed paddy stubble co-firing targets.