Delhi Government Intensifies Action Against Pollution; CM Rekha Gupta Chairs High-Level Review Meeting

For the Safety of Children, Schools up to Class 5 to Operate in Hybrid Mode: CM Rekha Gupta

Strict Enforcement of GRAP Stage III Across the Capital; Action to be Taken Against Violators: CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, Nov 2025 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta has announced that, in view of the prevailing pollution levels, all schools in the national capital will temporarily conduct classes up to Class 5 in hybrid mode. Depending on necessity, these classes will be conducted both online and offline to protect children from the harmful effects of air pollution. The Chief Minister emphasised that this decision has been taken with the health and safety of children as the government’s foremost priority.

During a high-level review meeting held today at the Delhi Secretariat, the Chief Minister assessed the pollution situation in detail and took several key decisions. She stated that challenges related to pollution are being addressed in a mission mode with no room for delay.

Major Decision to Safeguard Children’s Health

The meeting was attended by Cabinet Ministers Pravesh Sahib Singh, Ashish Sood and Manjinder Singh Sirsa, along with Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma and senior officials from the concerned departments.

The meeting discussed in detail the three key causes of air pollution: vehicular emissions, open waste or biomass burning, and dust pollution. The Chief Minister directed officials to take prompt and time-bound action to ensure lasting solutions to these issues. She noted that since GRAP Stage III has been enforced in Delhi by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), schools up to Class 5 will temporarily operate in hybrid mode to safeguard children’s health.

The Chief Minister added that measures such as water sprinklers, anti-smog guns, mechanical road sweeping machines, prompt waste disposal, and strict enforcement of construction-site pollution norms are already being implemented across Delhi. She reiterated that the government is treating the pollution situation with utmost seriousness and working in a mission-oriented and coordinated manner.

Strict Enforcement of GRAP Stage III; Strengthened Enforcement Teams

The Chief Minister directed that GRAP Stage III, as implemented by CAQM, be enforced strictly across the capital. She clarified that any construction sites or other sources found violating pollution control norms will face immediate sealing and heavy penalties.

All departments have been instructed to ensure strict and transparent compliance with this policy. The Chief Minister informed that, to strengthen pollution control and ensure adherence to environmental standards, the government has expanded its enforcement network.

The number of enforcement teams has been increased to 2,088. These additional teams will be deployed particularly in areas where pollution levels are high or violations are frequently reported. Divisional Commissioners and District Magistrates have been directed to supervise these teams, which will patrol roads, inspect vehicles, and take prompt action against offenders.

Dust Pollution Control to Be Carried Out in Mission Mode

The Chief Minister highlighted that reports from pollution hotspots indicate that open areas and unpaved surfaces are major contributors to dust pollution. She directed that such areas be systematically paved, regularly cleaned, and covered under effective dust-control measures.
Taking a firm stance on the issue, she instructed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Public Works Department (PWD), and other concerned agencies to ensure that all city roads are made “wall-to-wall” at the earliest, thereby eliminating roadside dust accumulation and improving cleanliness.

Additionally, all potholes on city roads are to be identified and repaired on a priority basis. The Chief Minister further directed that over 300 mist spray systems be installed across all pollution hotspots by 30 November 2025, ensuring comprehensive coverage and effective dust suppression.

Strict Directions on Solid Waste Management

The Chief Minister directed that all long-pending heaps of solid waste across Delhi be cleared immediately under a sustained and continuous drive. Daily removal of construction and demolition (C&D) waste from roads and public spaces must be ensured.

She issued strict instructions to all construction agencies including Delhi Metro, NBCC, NCRTC, and NHAI to fully adhere to dust control norms and maintain barricading at construction sites until the completion or restoration of work. Additionally, smog guns are to be installed at all major construction sites.

The Chief Minister instructed NBCC to develop and implement an effective mechanism for proper disposal and recycling of C&D waste. She emphasised that solid waste management is among the government’s highest priorities. All departments have been directed to commence action on these directives within defined timelines.

She further stated that strict punitive action must be taken against individuals littering in public places to ensure civic responsibility and accountability for cleanliness.

Ban on Open Burning of Waste and Biomass

To curb pollution caused by open burning of waste and biomass, the Chief Minister instructed officials to identify households still using traditional stoves or solid fuels for cooking. A special drive will be launched to connect such households with the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. To discourage the lighting of open fires during winter, security personnel will be provided with electric heaters.

The Chief Minister clarified that the recent disruption in air quality monitoring data was not caused by any issue within Delhi, but was due to a nationwide technical glitch. Delhi’s real-time data has remained available as usual.
She noted that air pollution in Delhi is influenced not only by local sources but also by emissions from neighbouring states and prevailing meteorological conditions. Nevertheless, she affirmed that the Delhi Government is working with full commitment, seriousness, and systematic planning to combat pollution effectively.