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Delhi chokes under severe pollution, and the environment minister admits it’s “impossible” to fix AQI in months. With electric buses, pollution hotspots, and strict vehicle rules, can the city ever breathe easy again?
Impossible to reduce AQI in 9–10 months, says MS Sirsa
New Delhi: Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday apologised to residents for the city’s persistent air pollution, describing the situation as a “disease of pollution” inherited from the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
Sirsa admitted that it was “impossible for any elected government to reduce AQI in nine to 10 months,” even as his administration claimed to be taking daily action to improve air quality.
No fuel for vehicles in Delhi without valid PUC? New rules applicable from Thursday
According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 354 around 4 pm on Tuesday, showing a slight improvement from Monday’s “severe” reading of 427. Sirsa stated that despite the recent spike, sustained efforts over the past 10 months have kept overall air quality better than during the same period last year.
To curb emissions, the Delhi government has announced stricter enforcement measures. From Thursday, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will be denied fuel at petrol pumps. “After tomorrow, vehicles that do not have a valid PUC certificate will not be provided fuel,” Sirsa said, urging compliance within the one-day deadline.
Highlighting ongoing actions, Sirsa mentioned that garbage mountains have been reduced by 15 metres, and 45 acres of land have been cleaned and reclaimed. Over 2,000 pollution-monitoring plants have been installed by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). Biomethanation plants have also been deployed, and heaters have been provided to ensure cleaner operations.
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Sirsa identified 13 pollution hotspots across the city, claiming AQI levels at these locations are lower than in the past decade, excluding the Covid period. On public transport, plans are underway to deploy 7,500 electric buses to reduce vehicular emissions, while a scientific committee continues to recommend measures to combat pollution effectively.
Sirsa also criticised the AAP government, alleging that it distorted Delhi’s air quality situation and staged protests to divert attention from past inaction. He insisted that the current administration is making concrete improvements, with daily interventions aimed at long-term pollution control and cleaner mobility.
Despite the challenges, the minister said sustained efforts over the last 10 months have created a foundation for gradual improvement, even as the city continues to grapple with seasonal pollution spikes.
