The 25^th meeting of the full Commission was held on 17.10.2025 under the Chairmanship of Shri Rajesh Verma, Chairperson, CAQM. The Commission reviewed the preparedness for the upcoming winter season. The review included implementation of GRAP and Statutory Directions regarding control of vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, and incidents of stubble burning in the region, etc. during the meeting.

Key agenda items discussed and reviewed in detail during the meeting included:

Direction No. 95 dated 01.10.2025: authorizing Deputy Commissioners / District Collectors / District Magistrates in the States of Punjab, Haryana, NCR areas of Rajasthan (NCR) and Uttar Pradesh (NCR) and in the NCT of Delhi to file a complaint before jurisdictional judicial magistrate, in case of inaction in respect of officials, including nodal officers and supervisory officers at various levels and Station House Officers, responsible for effective enforcement towards ensuring elimination of paddy stubble burning in their respective jurisdiction, was ratified during the meeting.

The Commission reviewed Direction No. 88 dated 23.04.2025 in light of practical challenges raised by stakeholders and the recent Order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 26^th September 2025, which lifted exemptions earlier granted to vehicles carrying essential commodities. Keeping in view the Order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, CAQM decided to amend Direction No. 88 directing a strict ban on entry of any commercial goods vehicle viz. LGV, MGV and HGV, other than BS-VI, CNG, LNG and EV, into Delhi w.e.f. 01.11.2025, except such vehicles that are registered in Delhi. However, all BS-IV commercial goods vehicles viz. LGVs, MGVs and HGVs are permitted to enter Delhi till 31.10.2026, as a transitional measure. CAQM directed all enforcement agencies to ensure effective monitoring at border entry points.

The CAQM also reviewed Direction No. 89 dated 23.04.2025, as amended on 23.04.2025, concerning liquidation of large fleets of EoL Vehicles from Delhi-NCR. In view of the Order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 12^th August 2025, directing that no coercive steps be taken against owners of vehicles on the ground that they are 10 years old (in case of Diesel engine) and 15 years old (in case of petrol engine), the Commission decided to keep implementation of Direction No. 89 in abeyance until further orders.

Further, Winter Action Plans, prepared by the Govt. of NCT of Delhi and NCR States following the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 17^th September 2025, were also reviewed by the Commission.

State Government authorities of Punjab, Haryana and UP were impressed upon to keep a strict vigil on the incidents of stubble burning, take steps for optimum utilization of CRM machines, ensure monitoring of supply chain management for ex-situ applications take effective enforcement measures and intensify IEC campaign.

The high number of active fires incidents reported in the adjoining areas of NCR in UP and Rajasthan was highlighted and the State Government of UP and Rajasthan were instructed to have a close vigilance on the neighbouring districts to eliminate the Stubble Burning events.

Regarding open MSW and biomass burning complaints, the Commission directed that all the States should prioritize and resolve such issues within 24 hours, especially during this period.

The CAQM also noted the Order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 15^th October 2025, which allows sale of green firecrackers from 18^th to 20^th October 2025 only at designated locations in NCR, identified by the DCs/ DMs in consultation with the District Superintendent of Police. The sale will be restricted to licensed traders, and sale of firecrackers into NCR from outside and sale or purchase through e-commerce networks remains prohibited. Use of firecrackers is allowed only between 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the day before and on Diwali. The use or sale of banned materials such as barium compounds or firecrackers joined in series (laris) remains strictly prohibited. District-level patrolling teams have been directed to ensure strict on-ground enforcement.

Further, CPCB, in consultation with the State Pollution Control Boards and their respective regional offices within the districts coming under the NCR would monitor the air quality index in their respective jurisdictions starting from 14.10.2025 till 25.10.2025. Regional Offices of the State Pollution Control Boards shall also take samples of sand and water from sites having more density on use of firecrackers for analysis along with such monitoring of air quality.

All implementing agencies committed to regularly review air pollution control measures and to take strict and effective action across various sectors, including under GRAP. 

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VM

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