Delhi smog: Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav sets Nov 30 deadline for number-plate cameras

New Delhi: As thick post-Diwali smog continues to choke the national capital-with Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the 400 'severe' mark on Friday-Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has directed NCR states to shift immediately from planning to strict, time-bound ground enforcement.

Issuing a stern ultimatum on vehicular emissions, Yadav announced that CAQM will initiate criminal prosecution against delinquent Transport Department officials if states fail to install Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras by November 30, 2026.

Chairing a high-level review meeting with Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, alongside CPCB and CAQM officials, Yadav warned that air pollution recognizes no state boundaries and requires synchronized action across the region.


States were also asked to integrate fuel-station ANPR cameras with VAHAN and PUCC databases and organize immediate PARIVARTAN Melas to phase out pre-BS-VI commercial vehicles.

Targeting industrial and dust pollution-the primary drivers behind Saturday's severe localized spikes at hotspots like IIT Delhi and ITO-the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was ordered to immediately seal 191 non-conforming industrial units that failed to even order Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs).

To enforce direct administrative accountability, NCR states have been instructed to nominate Secretary-level nodal officers for 15 major cities-seven in Haryana, and four each in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan-to conduct weekly field inspections and report to the Commission for Air Quality Management.

While 98% of targeted industries are connected to online emission monitoring (OCEMS), non-compliant units breaching the 50 mg/Nm³ particulate norm face immediate power disconnection and closure.