Delhi is reviewing its air pollution control measures and PK Mishra, principal secretary to the prime minister, has expressed dismay over the delay in cleaning up its landfills. Three major landfills in Bhalaswa, Okhla and Ghazipur, planned to be cleared by 2026 under the Swachh Bharat-Urban Mission 2.0 launched in 2021, will miss this deadline.

Addressing the meeting of the high-level task force to tackle air pollution, Mishra pointed out that the Delhi Municipal Corporation was behind schedule not only in clearing landfills but also in energy recovery plans for landfills. waste. He called on the Union ministries of environment, housing and urban affairs and the MCD to further address the issue.

The meeting was attended by officials from various agencies, such as the Delhi government, Delhi Police and the Air Quality Management Commission. Delhi Chief Secretary Dharmendra read a report on the metropolitan city’s efforts to manage air quality through 2024 and reflected on how construction dust, biomass burning and Vehicle emissions remain major contributors to pollution during the winter months. He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as building a fleet of electric buses, mechanized road cleaning and efforts to reduce waste incineration.

Mishra emphasized strengthening the enforcement of current laws to build the support needed to address persistent air quality issues and, most importantly, developing a clear plan to increase the promotion of electric vehicles, especially for commercial and public transport.