Delhi-NCR pollution: Ban Demolition work from Oct–Dec every year, says Union minister; 40% AQI reduction target

NEW DELHI: Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday directed local authorities to make provisions to prohibit demolition works during the peak pollution period from Oct to Dec in Delhi-NCR every year, and asked them to issue "immediate directions" for it, pending amendments in rules.Chairing a high-level review meeting of action plans of municipal bodies of Delhi and Haryana's Sonipat, the minister also directed them not to permit construction and demolition (C&D) activities unless C&D waste handling and processing infrastructure is identified and created within a 10-km radius of a construction site.Asking all agencies to work on mission mode to achieve a 40% reduction in air quality index over the next one year, Yadav instructed removal of illegal parking and encroachments from 62 identified traffic congestion hotspots in Delhi.He further directed fast-tracking liquidation of Okhla, Bhalswa and Ghazipur legacy waste dump sites to achieve tangible results by the end of 2026."A detailed plan is to be prepared to identify road corridors and enable signal-free movement during peak traffic hours from 9 am to 11am and 4pm to 7pm, in coordination with Delhi Police. Vehicles below BS-IV standards are not to be allowed on these corridors," said an official statement over the outcome of the meeting.

Removal of stray animals from roads was also emphasised during the meeting to prevent accidents and traffic jams.Emphasising that challans should not be an end in itself, the minister called for a practical approach, focusing on targeting major polluters rather than inconveniencing the common public. "Motivate stakeholders, persuade the public, and act firmly against defaulters," he said.