Content
- Proactive Measures taken by CAQM to contain Air Pollution
- Exercise MITRA SHAKTI–XI
Proactive Measures taken by CAQM to contain Air Pollution
Why in News ?
- The CAQM reported a notable improvement in Delhi–NCR air quality due to multi-sectoral interventions.
- Average AQI (Jan–Nov 2025): 175 (↓ from 189 in 2024).
- PM2.5: 75 µg/m³ (↓ from 87 µg/m³) | PM10: 170 µg/m³ (↓ from 191 µg/m³).
- The improvement reflects effective implementation of statutory directions and cross-sector coordination across agriculture, waste management, transport, industry, and greening initiatives.
Relevance
• GS 3 (Environment): Air pollution control, Environmental governance, and statutory mechanisms (CAQM, GRAP, NCAP).
• GS 2 (Governance): Inter-governmental coordination, Centre–State relations in environmental regulation, policy implementation challenges.
• GS 3 (Science & Tech): Role of technology in pollution monitoring (OCEMS, anti-smog guns, predictive modelling).
Agricultural Emissions – Curbing Farm Fires
- Farm Fire Reduction (2025 vs 2024):
- Punjab: 4,062 fires vs 6,266 → 35.2% decline.
- Haryana: 333 fires vs 959 → 65.3% decline.
- Reasons:
- Real-time review by CAQM with Punjab & Haryana authorities.
- Strict enforcement of Statutory Directions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
- Promotion of in-situ residue management technologies (Happy Seeder, Super Seeder).
- Targeted awareness and incentive programmes for farmers.
Significance:
- Stubble burning contributes up to 30–40% of PM2.5 in winter, so this reduction directly improved regional AQI.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management
- Achievements:
- 23 lakh tonnes of dumpsite waste bio-mined in Delhi.
- 7,000 TPD Waste-to-Energy and 750 TPD Bio-CNG/CBG capacity under development.
- Legacy waste clearance ongoing in Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad.
- Infrastructure Enhancements:
- CCTV cameras, methane detectors, fire suppression systems, PPE kits at landfills.
- Zero tolerance for open burning (directive issued June 2025).
- Enhanced night-time surveillance and citizen awareness via RWAs and local bodies.
Impact:
- Reduced methane emissions, landfill fires, and open waste burning, curbing both PM and GHG emissions.
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Implementation
- Stage I (AQI 201–300): Enforced on 14 Oct 2025.
- Stage II (AQI 301–400): Enforced on 19 Oct 2025.
- Measures Implemented:
- Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs) and water sprinklers deployed.
- Anti-smog guns intensified across NCR.
- Regulation of diesel generator (DG) sets.
- Dynamic activation using IMD & IITM forecasts for predictive air quality management.
Significance:
- Transition from reactive to preventive pollution control model.
Vehicular Emission Control
- Statutory Directions (2025):
- All inter-city buses to/from Delhi shifted to EV/CNG/BS-VI diesel.
- Entry ban on BS-III and below commercial vehicles (HGVs, MGVs, LGVs) from 1 Nov 2025.
- From 1 Jan 2026, only CNG/Electric 3-wheelers to be inducted in aggregator/delivery fleets.
- Objective: Tackle emissions at source rather than through end-of-pipe controls.
Impact:
- Vehicular sector = ~25% of NCR’s PM2.5 load; transition ensures long-term emission cuts and improved urban mobility.
Industrial & Construction Sector Compliance
- Industrial Sector:
- 96% industries in NCR shifted to approved cleaner fuels (PNG, biomass, etc.).
- PNG network extended to 224 of 240 industrial areas.
- OCEMS Cell (Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System) set up for real-time emissions tracking.
- 3,551 units identified for OCEMS; 1,556 closures for violations after 24,080 inspections.
- Construction & Demolition (C&D) Control:
- Mandatory registration for sites >500 m² on state portals (DPCC/SPCB).
- 30,000+ inspections, 250 closures for non-compliance.
- Dust mitigation: barriers, covering materials, sprinkling, anti-smog guns.
- Expansion of C&D waste processing capacity and promotion of recycled materials.
Impact:
- Ensures significant reduction in PM10 and secondary dust—the largest year-round pollutant source.
Greening and Urban Forestry Initiatives
- Progress (till Sep 2025):
- 4.37 crore saplings planted across NCR – exceeding annual targets.
- Key Initiatives:
- Urban forests using Miyawaki technique.
- Green buffers along roads and industrial corridors.
- Use of treated wastewater for irrigation.
- Citizen engagement through schools, RWAs, institutions.
Environmental Value:
- Enhances carbon sequestration, mitigates urban heat islands, and improves microclimatic conditions.
Monitoring, Enforcement & Coordination
- Integrated Oversight:
- CAQM continuously reviews actions with NCR States, SPCBs, DPCC, ULBs.
- Regular sectoral performance reviews to sustain improvement trend.
- Deployment of Flying Squads for surprise checks and enforcement.
- Institutional Role:
- CAQM acts as a statutory authority under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, ensuring cohesive regional air governance.
2025 – Key Outcome Indicators
| Parameter | 2024 | 2025 | % Change |
| Avg AQI (Jan–Nov) | 189 | 175 | ↓ 7.4% |
| PM2.5 (µg/m³) | 87 | 75 | ↓ 13.8% |
| PM10 (µg/m³) | 191 | 170 | ↓ 11.0% |
| Farm Fires (Punjab) | 6,266 | 4,062 | ↓ 35.2% |
| Farm Fires (Haryana) | 959 | 333 | ↓ 65.3% |
Strategic Significance
- Reflects multi-sectoral integration – agriculture, transport, industry, waste, greening.
- Aligns with National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) goals and SDG 11.6 (Clean Cities).
- Strengthens India’s preventive air quality governance model through data-led, statutory coordination.
- Enhances inter-state cooperation under a unified institutional framework.
AQI Categories:
| Category | AQI Range | Colour | Health Impact |
| Good | 0–50 | Green | Minimal impact |
| Satisfactory | 51–100 | Light Green | Minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people |
| Moderate | 101–200 | Yellow | Breathing discomfort to people with lungs/heart issues |
| Poor | 201–300 | Orange | Breathing discomfort on prolonged exposure |
| Very Poor | 301–400 | Red | Respiratory illness on prolonged exposure |
| Severe | 401–500 | Maroon | Serious health impacts even on healthy people |
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)
- Statutory Authority: Established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 to ensure coordinated, region-wide action on air pollution.
- Jurisdiction: Covers Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh — i.e., entire NCR and adjoining districts with transboundary pollution influence.
- Composition: Chaired by a Government of India appointee (usually a senior bureaucrat); includes representatives from MoEFCC, CPCB, state governments, and technical experts.
- Functions: Formulates statutory directions, monitors compliance, coordinates inter-state actions, and oversees implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) measures.
- Powers: Can issue binding directions, impose penalties, close polluting units, and supersede state pollution control boards in matters related to NCR air quality management.
Conclusion
- The CAQM’s integrated approach across agriculture, transport, industry, waste, and greening sectors has led to measurable air quality improvement, with Delhi’s AQI falling to 175 in 2025.
- Over 96% industrial units’ fuel transition, 35–65% farm fire decline, and strengthened waste and vehicular regulations mark a shift from reactive to preventive air governance.
- The model demonstrates institutional convergence and data-driven accountability, aligning with NCAP and SDG 11.6 objectives for sustainable urban air management.
Exercise MITRA SHAKTI–XI
Why in News ?
- The 11th edition of India–Sri Lanka joint military exercise “Mitra Shakti–2025” commenced on 10 November 2025 at Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka.
- Scheduled from 10–23 November 2025.
- Aimed at enhancing interoperability, counter-terrorism capabilities, and UN peacekeeping preparedness between the two armies.
Relevance
• GS 2 (International Relations): India–Sri Lanka bilateral relations; Defence and strategic cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
• GS 3 (Internal Security): Counter-terrorism training, joint military exercises, and interoperability under UN peacekeeping mandates.
Basic Details
- Participating Countries: India and Sri Lanka
- Edition: 11th
- Venue: Belagavi, Karnataka (India)
- Duration: 10–23 November 2025
- Indian Contingent: 170 personnel – mainly from Rajput Regiment + 20 IAF personnel
- Sri Lankan Contingent: 135 personnel – mainly from Gajaba Regiment + 10 SLAF personnel
Objectives of the Exercise
- Primary Aim:
To jointly rehearse sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter (peace enforcement). - Operational Goals:
- Counter-terrorist and counter-insurgency operations.
- Enhance joint tactical coordination between ground and air elements.
- Practice UN peacekeeping scenarios and humanitarian assistance drills.
Scope and Training Activities
- Operational Drills:
- Raid, search and destroy missions
- Heliborne operations and securing helipads
- Drone operations and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS)
- Casualty evacuation during CT ops
- Combat reflex shooting, Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), and Yoga
- Focus Areas:
- Joint planning and execution of sub-conventional missions.
- Minimising collateral damage and civilian casualties.
- Developing interoperability and mutual trust for real-world peacekeeping.
Strategic Significance
- Defence Cooperation:
- Strengthens India–Sri Lanka military-to-military ties under the framework of regional security cooperation.
- Expands the scope of defence diplomacy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Regional Security Context:
- Both nations face non-traditional threats such as terrorism, maritime piracy, and hybrid warfare.
- Reinforces India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
- UN Peacekeeping Preparedness:
- Aligns with Chapter VII UN mandates for peace enforcement operations.
- India’s experience in UN peacekeeping (one of the largest troop contributors) helps Sri Lanka upgrade its capabilities.
- Technology Integration:
- Inclusion of drones, counter-UAS, and air support marks a modernisation shift.
- Enhances joint situational awareness and real-time coordination.
Evolution and Background
- Initiated: 2013, as part of growing defence cooperation post-civil war in Sri Lanka.
- Rotation Pattern: Conducted alternately in India and Sri Lanka.
- Recent Editions:
- Mitra Shakti–X (2023): Held in Aundh, Pune.
- Mitra Shakti–IX (2021): Ampara, Sri Lanka.
Relevance for India’s Strategic Objectives
- Neighbourhood First Policy: Deepens ties with a key maritime neighbour.
- Indian Ocean Strategy: Counters external influence (e.g., China) in the region through defence engagement.
- Capacity Building: Assists Sri Lanka in professionalising its military and adapting to multi-domain threats.
Conclusion
- The 2025 edition deepens India–Sri Lanka defence cooperation through realistic counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and air–ground coordination drills.
- It enhances interoperability under UN Chapter VII mandates while supporting India’s SAGAR and Neighbourhood First policies.
- The exercise strengthens regional stability and showcases India’s role as a security partner and capacity–builder in the Indian Ocean Region.
