Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on September 18, 2026, to assess the efforts made in managing air quality within the National Capital Region (NCR) of Uttar Pradesh. The meeting took place in Lucknow and focused on the initiatives undertaken by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the region. This collaborative effort aimed to address various air pollution challenges faced by the state.

After the meeting, Yadav expressed appreciation for the state government’s tree plantation initiatives, particularly highlighting the success of the Prime Minister’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. He commended Adityanath for exceeding tree planting targets, noting the importance of such efforts in enhancing the environment. He pointed out that these actions significantly contribute to improving air quality across Uttar Pradesh.

Successes Under the National Clean Air Programme

The Minister praised the performance of Uttar Pradesh under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). He mentioned that within a survey of 130 cities aimed at improving air quality, Lucknow emerged as a frontrunner, with Agra and other cities also showcasing commendable results. This recognition reflects the state’s effective measures in tackling air pollution and promoting cleaner air.

In his remarks on the review, Yadav articulated that discussions included air quality issues across eight NCR districts, encompassing Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, and Bulandshahr. He stated that the review examined critical topics such as vehicle emissions and the management of older vehicles. Additionally, the meeting addressed a new electric vehicle policy for buses and the requirements for certification and aggregator vehicles to mitigate vehicle pollution.

Furthermore, the meeting touched on industrial pollution, where Yadav noted that substantial progress has been made, specifically citing that approximately 80 per cent of industries have implemented air pollution control measures. Plans are underway to evaluate the remaining industries to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Future Goals and Collaborative Efforts

The meeting also included discussions on dust pollution, where an action plan for mechanised road cleaning was reviewed. Yadav indicated that solid waste management rules and construction and demolition waste regulations were also part of the agenda, emphasising the importance of engagement with stakeholders such as housing societies and the Environment Ministry.

Yadav explained that similar review meetings have previously been conducted with the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Delhi. He highlighted the aim to seek collaboration with the governments of Punjab and Rajasthan in future discussions. This approach indicates a broader strategy to address air quality challenges collectively among neighbouring states.

Additionally, Yadav mentioned ongoing efforts to combat stubble burning, particularly in coordination with agriculture ministers from various states ahead of the harvest season. A city-specific action plan has been developed for all municipal corporations in the NCR area. He noted that since December of last year, over 30 meetings have been convened to advance city-specific plans, with nodal officers designated for local-level oversight. Yadav expressed optimism that sustained public support and administrative collaboration would lead to tangible improvements in the region’s air quality.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share