Delhi Draws up 7-year Air Pollution Mitigation Plan

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

Context

• The Delhi government has drawn up a seven-year air pollution mitigation plan with an estimated outlay of Rs 8,300 crore.

About

• Aim: To strengthen air quality management in the Capital and reduce emissions from major pollution sources such as vehicles, road dust, construction and demolition waste.
• Titled ‘Swachh Hawa, Swasth Delhi’, the project is proposed to be implemented between September this year and August 2033 with support from the World Bank. 
  • The World Bank will provide 65% financial assistance, while the remaining 35% will be borne by the Delhi government.
• Key Sectors: Transport, road dust, construction and demolition (C&D) waste, solid waste management, industry, green spaces, and water pollution.

Key Interventions: 

• Strengthening Air Quality Management: 
  • Establish a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) to ensure mission-mode implementation;
  • Developing advanced air quality monitoring, data analytics, and Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC)-based monitoring systems;
  • Strengthening inter-departmental coordination and collaboration with Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) states for airshed-based pollution management.
• Reducing Emissions from Major Pollution Sources: 
  • Promote cleaner transportation by accelerating the phase-out of polluting vehicles, expanding electric vehicle (EV) adoption, improving public transport integration, and establishing advanced Pollution Under Control (PUC) systems.
  • Implement dust control measures through road redevelopment, end-to-end paving, mechanised cleaning, and innovative dust suppression technologies.
  • Strengthen construction and demolition (C&D) waste management and promote the use of Recycled Aggregate Manufacturing Systems (RAMS).
• Significance: The project is expected to improve air quality, reduce emissions from transport, industry, waste, and dust sources.
  • It will strengthen governance and monitoring systems.
  • It will enhance green cover, mobilise private investment, create employment opportunities, and adopt international best practices in air quality management.

Air Pollution in India (World Air Quality Report 2025)

• India was ranked sixth amongst the world’s most polluted countries, with a national average PM2.5 concentration of 48.9 g/m. 
  • That is nearly ten times the WHO’s safe limit of 5 g/m.
• All of the world’s top 25 most polluted cities were either in Pakistan, India, or in China.
• Loni in Ghaziabad was the world’s most polluted city in 2025, recording an annual average PM2.5 of 112.5 g/m. Following right behind was Byrnihat in Meghalaya, ranking third globally, while Delhi came in fourth.

Government Initiatives to Curb Air Pollution in India

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, NCAP is a comprehensive initiative with the goal of reducing air pollution in identified cities and regions across India.
  • The program focuses on improving air quality monitoring, implementing stricter emission standards, and promoting public awareness.
• Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) Emission Standards: The government implemented BS-VI emission standards for vehicles nationwide in 2020.
  • These standards aim to reduce vehicular emissions by mandating the use of cleaner fuel and more advanced emission control technologies.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): The PMUY scheme aims to provide clean cooking fuel to households by promoting the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative to traditional biomass-based cooking methods. 
• FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) Scheme: The FAME scheme promotes the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce air pollution caused by vehicular emissions.
  • Incentives are provided to both manufacturers and consumers to encourage the use of electric vehicles.
• Green Initiatives for Sustainable Habitat (GRIHA): GRIHA is an initiative to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the construction and operation of buildings.
  • It encourages the use of energy-efficient technologies and materials to reduce pollution.
• Waste Management Programs: Proper waste management is crucial to prevent the burning of waste, which contributes to air pollution.
  • Various waste management initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, aim to address solid waste issues and promote cleaner disposal methods.
• Commission for Air Quality Management: The Commission has been set up for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas for better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems surrounding the air quality index.
• Afforestation Programs: Initiatives like the Green India Mission aim to increase tree cover, which can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality.

Conclusion

• The ‘Swachh Hawa, Swasth Delhi’ initiative marks a comprehensive and long-term strategy to tackle Delhi’s persistent air pollution through integrated governance, cleaner technologies, and scientific monitoring. 
• If implemented effectively it can significantly advance the objectives of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and serve as a model for airshed-based urban air quality management in India.

Source: TH