Wed Jul 23 19:55:22 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The article highlights the urgent need for coordinated action among states in the Delhi-NCR region to combat air pollution. It points out that while various mitigation measures exist, their implementation is hindered by fragmented governance and a lack of regional cooperation. The author argues that the current political alignment in the region presents a unique opportunity to leverage institutions like the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement a unified regional strategy, drawing from international agreements like the Malé Declaration. Success hinges on treating the entire Indo-Gangetic Plain as a single airshed and streamlining state actions based on jointly defined emission standards and sectoral targets.

**News Article:**

**Delhi-NCR Poised for Unified Air Pollution Fight Amidst Political Alignment**

**New Delhi, July 24, 2025** – With the peak pollution season looming, experts are optimistic about a potential breakthrough in the fight against air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, thanks to an unprecedented alignment of political mandates across states.

According to an article published in The Hindu, July and August are critical months to prepare for autumn and winter. With the majority of states being run by the same or aligned parties, experts say the electoral mandate this year has created a rare moment of political alignment across most States in the Delhi-NCR, opening the door for coordinated action on air quality.

The article, authored by Swagata Dey, head of the Air Quality Policy and Outreach group at the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy, points to the long-standing issue of fragmented governance as a major obstacle. Emission reductions across the Indo-Gangetic Plain are essential.

“Multiple agencies managing roads in Delhi, differing fuel regulations across states, and the operation of older, more polluting industries in neighboring districts have undermined efforts to tackle transboundary pollution,” the article notes.

However, the current political landscape offers a chance to implement a truly regional strategy. Drawing inspiration from international agreements like the Malé Declaration, states can collaboratively define emission standards and sectoral targets under the guidance of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

“The entire Indo-Gangetic Plain should be treated as a single airshed,” Dey writes. “A regional strategy backed by political will is essential to effectively address sources like freight movements, biomass burning, and industrial emissions.”

If all line departments issue directives based on a joint mandate from the States, these strategies could be streamlined.

The article concludes on a hopeful note, suggesting that the “decisive mandate of February 2025 could make October 2025 more breathable,” if the opportunity for unified action is seized.

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