New Delhi [India], April 3 : Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday unveiled an aggressive and wide-ranging strategy to combat air pollution in the capital, signalling a decisive shift from intent to enforcement.
Announcing the rollout of the Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan 2026, she said the initiative builds on the government's 'historic' Green Budget for 2026-27 and aims to translate clean air goals into measurable outcomes, according to a press release issued by the CMO.
The plan, prepared under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, lays out a structured roadmap for sustainable urban development, with a strong emphasis on accountability, technology and time-bound execution.
A high-level review meeting regarding the effective control of pollution was held on Friday at the 'Mukhyamantri Janseva Sadan', presided over by the Chief Minister.
The meeting was attended by cabinet ministers Pravesh Sahib Singh, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, and Pankaj Kumar Singh; Chief Secretary Rajiv Verma; representatives from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and the Traffic Police; and senior officials from all relevant government departments.
The Delhi CM reiterated that clean air and environmental protection are now central to the government's policy framework, backed by dedicated budgetary allocations for clean mobility, dust control, waste management, greening and pollution monitoring.
"This is not just a policy announcement, it's an enforcement-driven campaign powered by resources, technology and strict oversight," she said, adding that the goal is to ensure cleaner air for every resident of Delhi.
According to the release, the action plan targets key sources of pollution, including vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activity, industrial discharge and biomass burning through a scientific, data-driven approach. It identifies 11 priority sectors, with clearly defined responsibilities, timelines and real-time monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.
Taking a hard line on vehicle emissions, the Chief Minister said there would be zero tolerance for violations. The 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule is being strictly enforced, supported by ANPR cameras and digital tracking systems. From November 1, entry of goods vehicles into Delhi will be restricted to those compliant with BS-VI norms or powered by CNG or electricity.
Non-essential traffic inflow will also be regulated. In periods of severe pollution, the government may consider staggered office timings, work-from-home directives and additional restrictions on polluting vehicles for immediate relief.
The government is ramping up investment in public transport, with a target to expand the bus fleet to 13,760 by 2028-29, prioritising electric buses. Integration of metro and RRTS networks with feeder buses, e-autos and shared mobility services is expected to improve last-mile connectivity and reduce dependence on private vehicles. To accelerate electric mobility, 32,000 EV charging points will be installed over the next four years.
The upcoming EV Policy 2026 will focus on two-wheelers and commercial vehicles, alongside transitioning government fleets to cleaner fuels.
Efforts are underway to ease traffic congestion at 62 identified hotspots through time-bound interventions. A citywide Intelligent Traffic Management System is being rolled out, complemented by smart parking solutions and pricing reforms to optimise road usage and cut emissions.
Recognising road dust as a major pollutant, the government is deploying mechanical road sweepers, water sprinklers and anti-smog guns on a large scale. Mist spray systems are being installed across roads and mandated for large buildings. All operations will be monitored in real time via GPS tracking and a centralised dashboard.
Nearly 3,500 km of roads are being redeveloped with paved surfaces, green buffers and utility ducts. A scientific road asset management system and time-bound pothole repair mechanism aim to eliminate dust at the source and improve long-term durability. Construction-related pollution will be tracked through a technology-driven system.
The AI-enabled C&D Portal 2.0 will facilitate real-time monitoring, geo-tagging and automated enforcement. Processing capacity for construction and demolition waste is also being expanded to ensure scientific disposal and recycling.
According to the release, the government has set firm deadlines to eliminate legacy landfill sites - Okhla by July 2026, Bhalswa by December 2026 and Ghazipur by December 2027. Circular economy initiatives, such as an e-waste eco park, are expected to reduce pollution from waste streams. A complete ban on biomass burning has been enforced, with alternatives like electric heaters being distributed and awareness campaigns rolled out. Violators will face strict penalties.
Industrial units are now required to install online emission monitoring systems, with strict enforcement of environmental norms. Non-compliant units will face closure and punitive action without exception.
To strengthen environmental governance, the air quality monitoring network is being expanded alongside the creation of a centralised Green War Room and an Integrated Command and Control Centre. Ward-level 'Vayu Rakshak' teams will be deployed, while the 311 platform will be upgraded to enhance citizen reporting and participation. The government has also set an ambitious greening target - planting 70 lakh trees, shrubs and bamboo in 2026-27, with a long-term goal of over one crore plantations. Protection and expansion of ridge areas will play a key role in natural pollution mitigation.
The Delhi CM emphasised that innovation and public participation are central to the plan. Research institutions, technical experts and startups will be engaged to develop new solutions, while citizens will be encouraged to actively contribute through awareness and reporting platforms.
"The Action Plan 2026 is not just about intent, it is a robust execution model with financial backing, strict timelines and accountability at every level," she said.
The release further stated that "clean air is not a luxury, it is a fundamental right, and we are committed to delivering it".