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Air pollution in Delhi-NCR a complex, multi-sectoral challenge: CAQM chairperson
Rajesh Verma, chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management, described Delhi-NCR air pollution as a complex, multi-sectoral challenge during the inaugural Clean Air Dialogues. He announced three directives approved at the CAQM's 28th full meeting, including phased adoption of electric three-wheelers, PUCC-based fuel restrictions, and actions to eliminate paddy stubble burning, with timelines spanning 2027 to 2029 and 2026 harvest season.
Why It Matters
The directives address multiple emission sources—transport, biomass burning, and industry—through phased regulatory actions and cross-state coordination, aiming to reduce air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
Timeline
5 Events
CAQM official emphasizes ground-level execution
May 15, 2026
Tarun Kumar Pithode, member secretary of the CAQM, said effective pollution mitigation requires rigorous ground-level execution and that the priority is to work closely with local agencies to identify bottlenecks, improve enforcement mechanisms and ensure that regulatory frameworks yield tangible results for the public.
Directive 3: Elimination of paddy stubble burning (2026 harvest season)
May 15, 2026
Directive 3 orders the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to implement rigorous action plans to achieve the complete elimination of paddy stubble burning during the 2026 harvest season.
Directive 2: PUCC-based fuel restrictions in NCR
May 15, 2026
Directive 2 states that starting from October 1, 2026, no fuel will be provided to vehicles in the NCR that do not have a Pollution Under Control certificate.
Directive 1: Electric three-wheelers L5 registration timeline
May 15, 2026
During its 28th full meeting on Friday, CAQM approved Directive 1: only electric three-wheelers of L5 category in Delhi will be registered starting January 1, 2027. The directive will be implemented in Gurugram, Faridabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar and Sonipat from January 1, 2028, and for the rest of the NCR from January 1, 2029.
CAQM chairperson speaks at Clean Air Dialogues inauguration
May 15, 2026
Rajesh Verma, chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management, said Delhi-NCR air pollution is a complex, multi-sectoral challenge during the inaugural session of the Clean Air Dialogues, hosted by the CAQM Resource Lab.