The Ministry of Tourism on March 25, 2025, issued Measures to Curb Air Pollution in the Tourism Industry. Seasonal factors such as lower temperatures and stagnant winds exacerbate pollution levels, particularly during post-monsoon and winter months. To monitor and communicate air quality effectively, an Air Quality Index (AQI) system has been implemented, categorizing pollution levels from "Good" to "Severe" based on real-time data from continuous monitoring stations.
The government has undertaken various regulatory actions, including the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which funds air quality improvement initiatives in non-attainment cities. Additionally, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) enforces targeted pollution control measures based on AQI levels. Efforts to curb emissions include restrictions on diesel generator sets, promotion of cleaner fuels in industries and transport, and stringent norms for construction dust mitigation. In the industrial sector, only PNG or biomass-based fuels are permitted, while brick kilns are required to adopt environmentally friendly zig-zag technology.
Specific measures to control stubble burning—a major contributor to air pollution—include financial support for crop residue management machinery, enforcement of alternative fuel policies, and real-time monitoring by regulatory bodies. In the transport sector, all state government bus services in NCR must operate on EV, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. Additionally, continuous emissions monitoring and the installation of Vapor Recovery Systems (VRS) at petrol pumps aim to curb vehicular emissions. These coordinated efforts have led to a noticeable improvement in Delhi’s air quality, with an increase in the number of days falling within "Good" to "Moderate" AQI categories in recent years.
[Release ID: 2114403]
