Lok Sabha to Hold Key Debate on Worsening Air Pollution Today
Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav to reply as Opposition presses Centre on Delhi-NCR air quality
New Delhi, Dec 18: The Lok Sabha is set to hold a detailed discussion on Thursday on the worsening air pollution crisis in Delhi and neighbouring regions, following sustained concerns raised by Opposition members over deteriorating air quality and the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures.
Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav is scheduled to respond to questions, objections and suggestions from members at around 5 pm, signalling the government’s intent to address mounting criticism and outline its strategy to tackle hazardous pollution levels.
The issue has dominated parliamentary proceedings, with several MPs questioning the Centre’s preparedness, enforcement mechanisms and long term roadmap to deal with recurring episodes of severe air pollution.
During the debate, DMK Rajya Sabha member Dr Kanimozhi NVN Somu sought clarification on whether the government was allocating funds for installing large-scale air purifiers in areas witnessing extreme pollution levels.
Responding to concerns, Yadav acknowledged the gravity of the situation, describing air pollution as “a big problem”. He emphasised the need for greater public awareness and stricter enforcement, urging citizens to remain conscious of Air Quality Index (AQI) readings and their health implications.
The minister said the government was working on both awareness and enforcement measures, adding that under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), air quality improvement initiatives are currently underway in 130 cities across the country.
Yadav informed Parliament that guidelines have been issued to curb harmful industrial emissions and plug enforcement gaps, while stressing that urban local bodies play a crucial role in ensuring compliance at the ground level.
On pollution caused by construction activity, the minister said stricter powers have been granted since April 2, 2025, under the construction and demolition (C&D) waste management rules. For projects covering an area of more than 20,000 square metres, the use of anti smog guns has been made mandatory.
He also said the Centre has advised the Delhi government to earmark designated zones for the disposal of construction and demolition waste to prevent unregulated dumping and dust pollution.
Meanwhile, as part of the Delhi government’s latest measures to curb air pollution, the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ rule comes into force from Thursday. Only BS-VI compliant vehicles registered outside Delhi will be permitted to enter the city, while trucks carrying construction material will remain banned. Construction activity continues to be prohibited under GRAP norms, with strict action promised against violators.
The national capital continues to grapple with severe pollution levels, prompting authorities to roll out a combination of emergency and long-term measures targeting vehicular emissions, construction dust, waste management and traffic congestion.
