New Delhi: Environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday held a roundtable discussion with NGOs, research organisations and government agencies to craft a stronger, science-driven strategy to fight pollution in the capital. Representatives from WRI India, CEEW, CSE, ICCT, Clean Air Fund, Clean Air Asia and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee attended the meeting, which Sirsa described as an “open, solutions-oriented platform” aimed at addressing Delhi’s chronic air-quality challenges.
Participants raised a wide range of concerns and recommendations, including the use of AI-enabled pollution surveillance systems, better dust control, stricter oversight of road construction, checks on vehicular and industrial emissions, smarter identification of pollution hotspots, improved traffic management, curbs on waste burning and initiatives to increase public participation such as promoting carpooling.
Sirsa said the Delhi government was committed to a “coordinated, science-based approach supported by real-time monitoring and robust enforcement”. He highlighted intensified on-ground measures — expanded mechanical sweeping on 40–60 ft roads, deployment of additional anti-smog guns and litter-pickers, stricter enforcement of construction and demolition waste norms for sites over 500 sq m, and action against biomass burning.
Urging greater citizen involvement, Sirsa stressed that Delhi’s clean-air plan “must be inclusive, evidence-led and built on continuous dialogue”. He added that systemic reforms were underway to secure long-term improvements in air quality.
