New Delhi: The Delhi government has rolled out an electric vehicle (EV)-focused air pollution control plan, combining stricter vehicle norms, expansion of clean transport and a ban on biomass burning to improve air quality, The Indian Express reported.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan, 2026 after a high-level meeting, stating that the strategy will rely on strict enforcement and time-bound action.
A key feature of the plan is the push for cleaner vehicles. From November 1, only BS-VI compliant, CNG-powered or electric goods vehicles will be allowed to enter the city. The government will also strictly implement the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule through digital monitoring systems.
The plan targets major sources of pollution, including vehicle emissions, road dust, construction activity, industrial discharge and biomass burning. Officials said 11 priority sectors have been identified, with clear responsibilities and real-time tracking.
During severe pollution episodes, measures such as staggered office timings, work-from-home arrangements and additional curbs on polluting vehicles may be introduced.
To support the shift to clean mobility, the government plans to expand the bus fleet to 13,760 by 2028-29, with a strong focus on electric buses. Integration of metro and regional rail networks with feeder services is also expected to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
In addition, 32,000 EV charging points will be installed over the next four years. The upcoming EV policy will focus on two-wheelers and commercial vehicles, along with transitioning government fleets to cleaner fuels.
The plan also includes steps to ease congestion at 62 traffic hotspots and introduce a city-wide traffic management system with smart parking solutions.
To control dust pollution, authorities will deploy road sweepers, water sprinklers and anti-smog systems, while redeveloping nearly 3,500 km of roads with improved surfaces and green buffers. A system for timely road repairs will also be introduced.
Deadlines have been set to clear major landfill sites, including Okhla by July, Bhalswa by December and Ghazipur by December 2027.
Industrial units will be required to install emission monitoring systems, while the air quality monitoring network will be expanded. A central control system and ward-level “Vayu Rakshak” teams will oversee enforcement of pollution control measures across the city.
