‘Reduction in Air Pollution Is Not a Victory, But a Positive Sign’: CAQM Official Calls for Balanced Growth in NCR

New Delhi: A decline in air pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR) should not be seen as a final victory but as a “positive sign” of progress, according to Tarun Kumar Pithode, Member Secretary of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM).

In an interview, Pithode emphasised that while recent improvements in air quality are encouraging, sustained and structural efforts are required to ensure long-term clean air for the nearly eight crore people living in the NCR.

Balancing Development and Clean Air

Pithode highlighted the challenge of balancing economic development and employment generation with environmental protection. NCR, being a major economic hub, cannot afford to slow down growth, he said, but added that development must be aligned with clean-air goals.

“Reduction in air pollution is not a victory, but certainly a positive sign. We have to maintain this momentum while ensuring economic activities continue,” he noted.

He stressed that policy interventions must consider the region’s dense population, rapid urbanisation, industrial activity, and transport demand.

Shift in Focus: From Farm Fires to Transport

One of the significant changes in approach, according to the CAQM official, is the shift in focus from stubble burning (farm fires) to the transport sector.

While farm fires in neighbouring States were once considered a primary seasonal contributor to Delhi’s winter pollution, authorities are now giving increasing attention to vehicular emissions, which contribute consistently throughout the year.

The Commission is working on measures to curb emissions from:

• Old and polluting vehicles

• Diesel commercial transport

• Traffic congestion hotspots

• Inter-state vehicle movement

Pithode underlined that controlling transport-related pollution requires coordination between multiple States and agencies.

No Fixed Pollution Targets

Interestingly, the CAQM does not intend to set rigid air pollution reduction targets. Pithode explained that instead of focusing on numerical targets, the Commission prefers sustained implementation of sector-specific interventions.

He said the emphasis is on systemic changes such as cleaner fuel adoption, electric vehicle promotion, better public transport systems, industrial emission controls, and stricter monitoring mechanisms.

Multi-Sectoral Strategy

The Commission’s broader strategy includes:

• Strengthening public transport infrastructure

• Promoting electric mobility

• Monitoring construction and dust pollution

• Ensuring compliance in industrial clusters

• Enhancing data-driven monitoring systems

Pithode reiterated that air pollution is a multi-source problem that requires coordinated, long-term solutions rather than seasonal reactions.

Way Forward

While recent data may show relative improvement in air quality levels, officials caution against complacency. Sustained policy measures, technological upgrades, and public cooperation will be key to maintaining cleaner air in NCR.

The CAQM’s evolving approach signals a move from reactive crisis management to long-term structural reform, aiming to protect public health without compromising economic growth.