Haryana has unveiled a sweeping multi-sector clean air action plan for the National Capital Region (NCR), expanding its Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) network from 22 to 45 stations and inducting 925 electric buses across six cities before the onset of winter. The roadmap was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by State Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi under the framework of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday, 27 June 2025.

Electric Bus Expansion Across NCR Cities

State Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Raja Sekhar Vundru said Haryana has planned the induction of 925 electric buses across Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, and Rohtak this year. Of these, 70 electric buses are already operational, and purchase orders have been placed for 385 additional buses. Procurement of the remaining fleet will be completed in phases following approval by the High Powered Purchase Committee.

Air Quality Monitoring Network to Double by September

The NCR currently has 22 operational monitoring stations. An additional 23 stations are being established to take the total to 45, according to an official statement. Work orders for two stations are expected by mid-July, while tenders for the remaining stations will be floated shortly. The expanded network is targeted to become fully operational before 30 September, enabling comprehensive real-time air quality tracking through the critical winter pollution season.

'No PUCC, No Fuel' Policy from October 1

Chief Secretary Rastogi reviewed preparations for the 'No Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), No Fuel' initiative, set to take effect from 1 October. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems are being installed at all 2,780 fuel stations in NCR districts. The first phase will cover 775 fuel stations in Gurugram, Faridabad, Jhajjar, and Sonipat, with the remaining 2,005 stations to be covered before the deadline. Once operational, the system will electronically verify pollution under control certificates before fuel is dispensed at any pump.

End-of-Life Vehicles and Industrial Emission Controls

Enforcement against end-of-life vehicles has been substantially intensified this year, with 2,883 old vehicles impounded, 2,010 scrapped, and 6,054 no-objection certificates issued for voluntary removal. Under the Naya Safar Yojana, Haryana has notified a 100% motor vehicle tax concession for eligible vehicles, incentivising large-scale replacement of older commercial vehicles with cleaner alternatives. On the industrial front, 1,329 of the 1,340 industries required to install online continuous emission monitoring systems are already connected to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) server. The meeting also reviewed the accelerated installation of air pollution control devices in industries requiring upgraded emission-control infrastructure.

Urban Road Redevelopment as a Pollution Lever

The action plan also includes the redevelopment of nearly 1,000 km of urban roads across NCR districts — a measure aimed at reducing dust pollution from deteriorating road surfaces, which is a significant contributor to particulate matter levels in the region during dry winter months. Chief Secretary Rastogi directed all departments to ensure time-bound execution so that all pollution-control measures are fully in place before winter sets in.

With Delhi-NCR consistently ranking among the most polluted airsheds in the world each winter, the scale and coordination of Haryana's pre-season push signals a more structured institutional response than in previous years. Whether execution matches the roadmap will be tested by the time smog season arrives.