Fixing Delhi Pollution in 10 Months Impossible

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday apologised to the residents of the national capital over the worsening air quality, stating that it is unrealistic to expect any elected government to completely control pollution within nine to ten months.

Addressing a press briefing, Sirsa said the scale of Delhi’s pollution crisis cannot be resolved in such a short time frame. He maintained that while the government is taking daily corrective steps, air pollution is a long-standing problem inherited from previous administrations.

His remarks came as Delhi’s Air Quality Index remained in the severe category for three consecutive days before marginally improving to the very poor category on Tuesday. According to Central Pollution Control Board data, the city’s AQI was recorded in the very poor range during the morning hours, after several locations reported levels above 400 over the past two days.

The minister outlined multiple measures taken to curb pollution, including a ban on the entry of non-Delhi private vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission norms and restrictions on the movement of construction materials within the city. He said strict enforcement action is being taken against violators.

Sirsa also said vehicles without valid pollution under control certificates are being denied fuel, with petrol pumps monitored through camera surveillance. He added that fines amounting to ₹9 crore have been imposed on polluting industries.

To reduce emissions from wood burning, the government has distributed 10,000 heaters, while banquet halls have been instructed to regulate the use of DJs. The minister said pollution levels have shown month-on-month improvement, but stressed that the crisis cannot be resolved within seven to eight months.

Highlighting ongoing efforts, Sirsa said landfill sites are being reduced in height by 15 metres, and nearly 45 acres of land are being cleaned and reclaimed. He added that 62 pollution hotspots have been identified, with 13 showing improvement compared to last year. The deployment of 3,427 electric buses is also part of the city’s emission reduction strategy.

The minister said a dedicated committee of scientists has been formed and is holding regular meetings to devise long-term solutions. As per CPCB data, Delhi’s overall AQI stood at 378 around 8 am on Tuesday, marking a slight improvement from 427 recorded the previous evening.