Delhi-NCR states lag in meeting pollution control targets

New Delhi: Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have completed only 40-60% of the pollution control measures targeted in the respective state annual action plans ahead of winter, according to progress recorded till Sept 30.

Uttar Pradesh has performed the best, completing 60% of its targets, followed by Delhi at around 50%. Haryana has completed 45% of its targets, while Rajasthan has achieved only 40%. Delhi continues to lag in the end-to-end paving of roads, a key measure to curb dust pollution.

The annual plans, prepared by the respective states, were submitted to Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which is tracking their progress. “We have asked the states to expedite the implementation of pending measures during the review meetings,” said a CAQM official.

The plans were prepared in Jan, targeting dust mitigation, municipal waste management, electric mobility and augmenting public transport, control of industrial emissions and managing stubble burning. The actions are to be completed by Dec, with some targets were to be met in a phased manner on a quarterly basis.