• Source:JND
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Delhi News: The Delhi government will set up a new committee headed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to keep a close watch on the Capital’s rising pollution levels. The panel will include cabinet ministers, officials from different government departments, scientists and environmental experts. The aim is to streamline monitoring and ensure quicker responses to worsening air quality.

All departments have also been instructed to enforce penalties for violations linked to pollution. This includes action against individuals, private organisations and government agencies found contributing to air pollution.

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Air Quality Remains ‘Very Poor’

Delhi recorded ‘very poor’ air quality for the third straight day on Wednesday. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed an AQI of 333 at 5:30 PM. Within the city, Nehru Nagar reported the highest reading at 388, while Mandir Marg recorded the lowest level at 236.

Centre Directs Strict Action Against Polluting Industries

In a parallel move, the central government has asked authorities in Delhi-NCR to act against industries that fail to install real-time emission monitoring systems by December 31. These systems, along with pollution control devices, are mandatory for highly polluting units.

According to CPCB chairman Vir Vikram Yadav, 2,254 such industries across Delhi-NCR have not yet connected their Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) to the CPCB server. Yadav warned that failure to meet the deadline may result in strict measures, including possible closure of non-compliant units. The Centre has also asked states to finalise their pollution control plans for 2026 within one month.

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High Court Declines To Hear Pollution Plea

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday heard a petition seeking urgent steps to control pollution in the Capital. The court advised the petitioner to approach the Supreme Court instead, noting that the top court is already monitoring Delhi's air quality situation.

Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya observed that the Supreme Court has passed several orders on the issue and is actively reviewing conditions in Delhi and surrounding regions.

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