Delhi is grappling with persistently high levels of air pollution, prompting the government to consider increasingly aggressive strategies. A potential shift towards a greater role for electric vehicles (EVs) in public transportation and ride-sharing services, along with other measures, may be on the horizon.
One key area of focus involves ride-sharing giants like Uber and Ola. The government is reportedly exploring collaborations with these companies to introduce pooled and shared electric bus services in Delhi-NCR. The aim is to reduce reliance on private vehicles, decrease traffic congestion, and lower overall vehicular emissions. Encouraging a transition to EVs within these fleets could significantly improve air quality. Studies suggest that electrifying ride-share fleets can lead to substantial reductions in harmful pollutants like nitric oxide and particulate matter.
Expanding the electric bus fleet is another priority. The Delhi government recently flagged off 100 new electric buses to encourage the public to use public transport rather than private vehicles. A new EV policy is expected in early January with subsidies for electric two and three-wheelers and cars.
Beyond EVs, the Delhi government is implementing a multi-pronged approach to combat air pollution. Stricter vehicle regulations are being enforced, with only BS-VI compliant, CNG, or electric commercial vehicles from outside Delhi allowed entry into the city since November 1, 2025. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are being installed to ensure compliance. End-of-life vehicles are also banned from entering the city.
To combat dust pollution, mandatory anti-smog guns are required at all buildings larger than 3,000 square meters. The city will deploy 1,000 water sprinklers and 140 anti-smog guns, particularly in identified pollution hotspots. A pilot project for cloud seeding has been approved to induce artificial rain to help settle pollutants. Furthermore, a massive tree plantation drive is underway to increase green cover.
Construction sites face stricter regulations, with online registration mandated for sites exceeding 500 square meters. Non-essential construction and demolition activities are banned under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The government is also tackling waste management, aiming to clear the Bhalswa landfill site by September 2026. A waste-to-gas plant has been inaugurated, and there's emphasis on liquidating legacy solid waste through bio-mining at landfill sites.
In response to recent spikes in pollution, the government has implemented emergency measures, including 50% work from home for government and private establishments and mandatory Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates for vehicles. Vehicles without valid PUC certificates will not be allowed to refuel at petrol pumps. The government is also overhauling the PUC certificate system with third-party monitoring to improve accountability. The Delhi government has also decided to install 10,000 air purifiers in government-run schools.
These measures are part of the Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025 and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce PM levels by 40% by 2026. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is also being utilized to proactively implement measures based on air quality forecasts.
