CAQM Implements Measures to Address Air Pollution
The air quality in Delhi has shown signs of improvement, with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 175 from January 1 to November 9, 2025, down from 189 during the same period last year. This positive trend is attributed to a significant decline in farm fire incidents in neighboring Punjab and Haryana, as well as ongoing efforts to manage municipal solid waste and reduce vehicular emissions. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is actively monitoring the situation and implementing measures to further enhance air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The average AQI in Delhi for the period from January 1 to November 9, 2025, stands at 175, indicating a notable improvement compared to the previous year’s figure of 189. The concentration levels of PM2.5 and PM10 have also decreased, with current levels at 75 µg/m³ and 170 µg/m³, respectively, down from 87 µg/m³ and 191 µg/m³ last year. This decline in air pollution levels is a positive development for residents of the capital, who have long faced challenges related to poor air quality, especially during the winter months. The CAQM is committed to sustaining this trend and is working closely with state governments and other agencies to ensure effective implementation of air quality management strategies.
Reduction in Farm Fire Incidents
A significant reduction in farm fire incidents has been observed in Punjab and Haryana, contributing to the improved air quality in Delhi. Between September 15 and November 9, 2025, Punjab recorded 4,062 fire events, a 35.2% decrease from 6,266 incidents during the same period in 2024. Haryana also saw a substantial decline, with only 333 fire counts this year compared to 959 last year, marking a 65.3% reduction. The CAQM is actively engaging with senior officials from both states to ensure the strict enforcement of regulations aimed at curbing stubble burning, which has been a major contributor to air pollution in the region.
Municipal Solid Waste Management Initiatives
Efforts to manage municipal solid waste in Delhi have progressed significantly, with over 2.3 million tonnes of legacy waste processed. The city is developing additional waste-to-energy capacity of approximately 7,000 tonnes per day, along with 750 tonnes per day of Bio-CNG/CBG capacity. Similar initiatives are underway in surrounding areas such as Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad. The CAQM has mandated the installation of surveillance systems, including CCTV cameras and methane detectors, at landfill sites to prevent fires and emissions. Furthermore, the commission has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for open waste burning, enhancing nighttime surveillance and promoting awareness campaigns to reduce such incidents across the NCR.
Vehicular emissions are a significant source of air pollution in the NCR, prompting the CAQM to implement targeted measures to address this issue. All inter-city buses operating in Delhi from neighboring states have transitioned to cleaner fuel options, including electric and CNG vehicles. Additionally, a ban on the entry of BS-III and below commercial vehicles into Delhi took effect on November 1, 2025, with exceptions for vehicles registered in the city. The CAQM has also restricted the induction of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles in fleets operated by aggregators and delivery services, promoting the use of CNG and electric three-wheelers instead. These steps are part of a broader strategy to reduce particulate matter levels and improve air quality in the region.
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