The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has instructed Gurugram and Faridabad authorities to intensify efforts on air pollution control, waste management, and urban sanitation, following concerns over deteriorating environmental conditions in the National Capital Region (NCR). The directives emerged from a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, which examined current compliance, urban reforms, and pollution mitigation strategies.
Officials were directed to identify and act against unregistered and deregistered vehicles operating within city limits, while also streamlining urban cleanliness initiatives through structured campaigns. “Urban teams should converge efforts from Self-Help Groups, local representatives, and municipal staff to ensure community engagement and visible improvements,” a senior ministry official said.
Technological interventions, enhanced capacity-building of sanitation workers, and targeted behaviour change programmes for youth were highlighted as key components. Public awareness campaigns are expected to be customised for different demographics, providing guidance on applicable environmental laws and best practices.
The ministry emphasised evidence-based policymaking, requiring identification of pollution hotspots, assessment of underlying causes, and implementation of targeted corrective measures. Authorities are expected to submit month-wise progress reports to facilitate continuous monitoring and accountability. Urban greening has been prioritised, with instructions to expand green cover in public spaces, parks, and road medians across both cities. “Greening initiatives are essential not only for aesthetics but also for mitigating air pollution and urban heat effects,” an environmental planner noted.
In addition, municipal authorities have been asked to expedite solutions for long-standing municipal solid waste (MSW) and legacy waste issues, and to develop integrated action plans addressing the entire urban sanitation chain. Measures to reduce road dust, including paving initiatives and elimination of illegal parking, are also being fast-tracked. Traffic congestion management has been underscored as a complementary strategy to reduce vehicular emissions. The ministry has advised removal of unnecessary barricades, creation of structured parking, and adoption of short-term executable interventions at congestion hotspots.
Experts indicate that the ministry’s instructions reflect a growing emphasis on combining regulatory enforcement, technological tools, and community participation to achieve tangible improvements in urban environmental quality. By targeting air pollution, waste management, and sanitation together, Gurugram and Faridabad have an opportunity to set benchmarks for sustainable urban management in rapidly growing Indian cities.
Gurugram Faridabad Centre Directs Action On Pollution Waste And Urban Cleanliness
