Delhi Air: Citizens Demand Real-Time Pollution Alerts

Residents' groups, parents, and activists across Delhi-NCR have submitted comprehensive recommendations to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). These suggestions aim to improve air quality by advocating for health-based pollution alerts and an end to capping the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 500. Additionally, there are calls to monitor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and replace the current pollution control regime with sensor-based vehicle emission monitoring.

The CAQM had sought public suggestions after releasing a report on worsening AQI in Delhi-NCR, with a new emission inventory planned for 2026. Warrior Moms, a network of parents, submitted 26 recommendations focusing on execution, transparency, and accountability, urging a moratorium on tree felling and a year-round ban on firecrackers. They also called for air pollution to be recognized as a public health emergency with binding exposure reduction targets.

Further proposals include independent auditing of the AQI monitoring system, VOC level monitoring, and outreach in low-income areas. Suggestions also encompass expanding car-free zones, implementing intelligent traffic management, and offering free public transport during high pollution periods. Environmental activist Amit Gupta proposed prioritizing PM2.5 reduction and enhancing surveillance against garbage burning and firecracker use, alongside stricter penalties for non-compliance and improved complaint tracking. A CAQM official stated that all suggestions would be examined for practical implementation to finalize future action plans.