Delhi-NCR Pollution Control Requires ₹8–10 Lakh Crore Investment: Experts Outline the Plan

Tackling the severe pollution crisis in Delhi and the NCR region will require a massive investment of ₹8–10 lakh crore, according to experts. Measures such as road paving, promotion of electric vehicles, and adoption of cleaner industrial technologies will necessitate both government funding and private sector participation.

Comprehensive Plan Needed
To effectively reduce pollution, authorities must implement a comprehensive plan that includes:

• Reconstruction and paving of roads to control dust emissions.
• Establishing a widespread electric vehicle infrastructure.
• Electrifying public transport systems.
• Enforcing strict emission standards and using only high-quality fuels.
• Providing government subsidies and incentives to encourage adoption of clean technologies.
• Offering guidance to industries, especially small establishments, to adopt cleaner production methods.

Experts warn that logistical coordination among multiple agencies will be critical to ensure the plan’s success.

Role of CAQM
In 2020, amid rising pollution levels and Supreme Court hearings, the central government established the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for Delhi and surrounding regions. The commission, later supported by legislation, coordinates pollution control measures across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Challenges in Implementation
Despite having authority, CAQM faces significant challenges due to a lack of trained personnel and an inadequate implementation framework. Seasonal spikes in pollution, particularly during winters, often trigger temporary measures such as forming new committees or court interventions, but long-term solutions remain elusive. A former environment secretary emphasized that while the problem is clear, sustained investment and structured action are essential for lasting impact.

The Way Forward
Experts stress that without massive investment, sustained government-private collaboration, and enforcement of pollution norms, Delhi-NCR’s pollution crisis will continue to escalate. The plan envisions a combination of infrastructure overhaul, technology adoption, and public awareness to restore air quality in the region.