New Delhi: In a concerted effort to address the persistent and severe air pollution in the National Capital, the Delhi government on Saturday announced the formation of an expert group and a high-level implementation committee tasked with devising and executing measures to prevent, control, abate, and mitigate air pollution. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa made the announcement, describing the initiative as a critical step in the city’s ongoing battle against environmental degradation.

The Expert Group on Air Pollution Mitigation has been constituted to serve as a think tank for the Delhi government. According to Sirsa, the group comprises leading domain experts who will offer guidance and recommendations on effective policies, innovative solutions, and strategic interventions to curb pollution in the capital. He described the group as acting “as a friend, philosopher, and guide to the Delhi Government in its fight against pollution,” highlighting the advisory role it will play in shaping policy decisions and ensuring scientific rigor in mitigation strategies.

Alongside the expert panel, the Delhi government has also established a High-Level Implementation Committee for the Control of Air Pollution, headed by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The committee is tasked with ensuring the time-bound execution, strict monitoring, and effective implementation of all measures and directives issued by the Delhi government, the courts, and statutory authorities. Sirsa explained that the two bodies—the Expert Group and the Implementation Committee—would work in close coordination, with the former providing strategic and technical guidance while the latter functions as the operational arm responsible for enforcement and execution. He expressed optimism that this dual approach would significantly strengthen Delhi’s capacity to manage its worsening air quality.

The formation of these bodies comes at a time when Delhi continues to experience hazardous air quality levels, especially during the winter months when meteorological conditions exacerbate pollution. On Saturday, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 6.8 degrees Celsius, slightly higher than Friday’s 5.6 degrees Celsius, which was the coldest recorded so far this season. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the increase in minimum temperatures is attributed to an approaching western disturbance, which is expected to persist over the coming days. Partially cloudy skies and moderate wind speeds of 15 to 20 kilometres per hour were reported on Saturday, providing some potential relief in terms of pollutant dispersion.

The IMD forecasts that the city’s minimum temperature will remain between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius on Sunday and Monday, with strong winds expected to aid the dispersal of pollutants. Despite this, air quality remains critically poor. At 10 am on Saturday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 334, categorised as “very poor,” slightly worsening from 327 at 4 pm on Friday. Persistent particulate matter, vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and seasonal crop residue burning in neighbouring states continue to contribute to Delhi’s toxic air, posing a serious threat to public health.

Delhi’s winter air pollution has long been a major concern, with prolonged exposure linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and other health complications. The city’s vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, are particularly at risk. Public health experts have repeatedly called for integrated measures that combine immediate relief strategies, such as temporary restrictions on vehicular movement and industrial emissions, with long-term solutions including greener energy policies, better public transport infrastructure, and widespread awareness campaigns.

In this context, the government’s dual approach—merging expert recommendations with implementation oversight—is expected to address both the scientific and administrative aspects of the pollution crisis. The Expert Group is likely to focus on assessing the root causes of air pollution, exploring innovative mitigation techniques such as air purifiers for public spaces, real-time monitoring systems, urban green cover enhancement, and policy interventions to reduce vehicular emissions. Meanwhile, the Implementation Committee will ensure that these recommendations are translated into actionable steps, monitored effectively, and enforced with accountability, thereby bridging the gap between policy and practice.

Delhi’s authorities have emphasised that public cooperation is essential to the success of any mitigation strategy. Citizens are urged to follow government advisories, reduce private vehicle usage, adopt cleaner fuels, and avoid activities such as burning waste, which exacerbate air quality issues. Simultaneously, businesses, construction agencies, and industrial operators are expected to comply with emission norms and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.

Environmentalists have welcomed the Delhi government’s decision to establish structured institutional mechanisms for tackling air pollution but have also stressed the urgency of rapid implementation. They argue that advisory committees and implementation bodies must be proactive and responsive to real-time pollution data, particularly during critical periods such as winter when the city’s air quality deteriorates sharply.

The government has framed this initiative as part of a broader, multi-pronged approach to air quality management, incorporating scientific research, public awareness, enforcement of regulations, and coordinated action with neighbouring states to address cross-border pollution. The inclusion of leading experts in the Advisory Group is intended to ensure that policies are evidence-based and tailored to the specific environmental and demographic challenges faced by Delhi.

In conclusion, the formation of an Expert Group on Air Pollution Mitigation and a High-Level Implementation Committee under the leadership of the Chief Minister represents a decisive step by the Delhi government to address one of the most pressing public health and environmental crises in the capital. By combining strategic guidance, scientific expertise, and operational oversight, the government aims to significantly improve air quality in the coming years. While the immediate challenge of toxic winter smog persists, officials are optimistic that the coordinated efforts of these bodies, coupled with citizen participation and intergovernmental cooperation, will help Delhi move towards cleaner, healthier air and a sustainable urban environment.