Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 7: Two days after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta chaired a high-level review meeting, the Delhi government on Saturday formally announced the constitution of a new Expert Group on Air Pollution Mitigation along with a High-Level Implementation Committee.
The notification came even as the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the ‘very poor’ range. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s overall AQI at 9 pm stood at 319. Mundka (381), Rohini (359) and Nehru Nagar (358) were among the worst-hit locations—areas that routinely feature on the capital’s pollution hotspot list.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, announcing the development on X, described the Expert Group as a “friend, philosopher and guide” to the government. The panel comprises senior atmospheric scientists, former environment ministry officials and representatives from bodies such as the CAQM and IMD.
“Both the Expert Group and the Implementation Committee shall work in close coordination—one serving as the brain and the other as the arm of our collective effort. With the combined resolve of the Government and the people of Delhi, we will, God willing, prevail in this war against pollution,” Sirsa stated.
The High-Level Implementation Committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, is tasked with ensuring strict adherence to directives issued by the Delhi government, courts and pollution-control bodies. The mechanism is expected to improve coordination among agencies including the MCD, PWD, DPCC, DDA and the Delhi Police.
Experts' concerns
Environmentalists, however, remain sceptical, noting that Delhi has witnessed several panels and committees formed over the years with limited long-term impact. Experts point out that winter smog is a predictable annual crisis, triggered by local emissions, stubble burning, stagnant winds and fragmented governance. Many argue that such high-level panels should have been constituted well before pollution levels began their seasonal surge.