Several steps being taken against pollution, results to show in coming years: Bhupender Yadav

NEW DELHI: Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday said the govt was taking multiple measures to deal with the problem of air pollution and results of the steps being taken would be visible in the coming years.

Speaking at Times Network's India Economic Conclave (IEC), Yadav said though the number of days with the air quality index (AQI) below 200 has gone up in Delhi, backed by constant efforts after the Commission for Air Quality Management was established in Oct 2020, the situation is still not satisfactory.


"We will work harder and do better," he said while enlisting steps being taken to deal with the sources of air pollution - be it vehicular, industries, or construction and demolition waste. The minister said 40% of PM2.5 pollution in Delhi is caused by vehicles.

Asked about how the issue is tackled globally, Yadav said the govt has carried out a comparative study of measures taken by different cities, such as London, to improve air quality. "Different countries have taken different measures. We are fully sensitive to this problem and are working on science-based solutions."

"Cities across the world that have reduced pollution have improved fuel quality. We moved from BS-IV to BS-VI. Old vehicles should have been phased out, but they were granted a stay against coercive action in Aug. That stay was withdrawn yesterday (Wednesday)," Yadav said.

He was referring to Supreme Court modifying its Aug order, which had barred coercive action against diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years in the National Capital Region (NCR), and clarifying that action can be taken against vehicles that do not meet BS-IV emission standards. Responding to a question, the minister regretted that Lok Sabha could not take up a discussion on air pollution on Thursday, saying it was due to the "ruckus created by Congress members" in the House. "They (opposition members) stood on chairs and tore documents. It was total chaos," Yadav said.

The minister also appealed to people to cooperate through their voluntary actions in the fight against air pollution.

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