-CAQM’s 28th Full Commission Meeting reviews Key agenda
New Delhi : The 28th meeting of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Rajesh Verma to review key measures aimed at controlling air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
During the meeting, the Commission approved the issuance of Draft Direction No. 99 under the CAQM Act, 2021 for implementation of the 2026 action plan to eliminate paddy stubble burning across NCR states. The Commission noted that state governments have prepared updated state-specific plans for the upcoming paddy harvest season in line with the framework provided by CAQM.
The Commission also approved Draft Direction No. 100 mandating phased registration of only electric three-wheelers (passenger and goods) in the L5 category across Delhi-NCR as part of efforts to reduce vehicular pollution and promote cleaner mobility.
Under the proposed timeline, only electric L5 category three-wheelers will be allowed to be registered in Delhi from January 1, 2027. The rule will extend to high vehicle density districts including Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Noida from January 1, 2028, and to the remaining NCR districts from January 1, 2029.
The Commission observed that recent reports by air quality experts identified the vehicular sector as one of the largest contributors to PM2.5 pollution in the region and stressed the need for accelerated adoption of electric mobility.
Another major proposal approved during the meeting was Draft Direction No. 101, which seeks to restrict fuel supply to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). Under the proposal, fuel stations across NCR will dispense fuel only upon production of a valid PUCC from October 1, 2026.
The CAQM also expressed concern over the sharp rise in wheat stubble burning incidents. According to the Commission, Punjab reported 8,986 incidents between April 1 and May 14 this year, compared to 6,474 during the same period in 2025. Haryana recorded 3,290 incidents against 1,503 during the corresponding period last year. The Commission directed state governments and agencies to ensure strict enforcement measures.
The Commission reviewed progress on expanding the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) network across Delhi-NCR. Under revised norms, one monitoring station will be established for every 25 square kilometres in Delhi and contiguous urban areas, while one station per 50 square kilometres will be set up in other NCR cities and district headquarters.
A total of 46 additional monitoring stations are planned across NCR, including 14 in Delhi, 16 in Haryana, 15 in Uttar Pradesh and one in Rajasthan. Once completed, the region will have 157 air quality monitoring stations.
The Commission also reviewed annual action plans prepared by NCR states and the Delhi government for tackling pollution across sectors such as transport, industrial emissions, waste management, dust control and crop residue management. It noted that a digital MIS portal is being developed for monitoring implementation of pollution control measures.
In the area of greening and plantation, the Commission reviewed targets fixed for 2026-27 and stressed timely implementation. Around 4.60 crore trees, shrubs and bamboo plantations have been planned across NCR states, CAPFs and educational institutions during the year.
The CAQM also reviewed action taken against thermal power plants for failing to meet biomass co-firing targets. Environmental compensation of more than ₹61.85 crore has been imposed on six non-compliant thermal power plants under the Environment Rules, 2023.
The Commission took note of the recent Supreme Court of India order approving revised Environment Compensation Charges on goods vehicles entering Delhi. It also reviewed the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), IEC awareness campaigns and enforcement activities carried out across the region.
According to the Commission, flying squads have inspected over 27,000 sites till May 8, 2026, and closure directions were issued in 1,779 cases involving industries, construction and demolition sites, and other polluting activities.
Reiterating the need for strict enforcement, the CAQM directed NCR state governments and agencies to intensify implementation of annual action plans and sector-specific pollution control measures to improve air quality across Delhi-NCR.