Uttarakhand Air Pollution: In the 7th meeting of the National Pure Air Programme, the Chief Secretary gave instructions to improve the air quality of 3 cities. He stressed on road improvement, vehicle-factory pollution control and strict implementation of rules to reduce PM 10 and PM 2.5.
Dehradun, July 22, 2026 (Sun Bureau) The 7th meeting of the Steering Committee of the National Clean Air Program (NCP) was held in the Secretariat on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Shri Anand Bardhan. The Chief Secretary took information about the air quality status of three cities of the state, Dehradun, Rishikesh and Kashipur and gave directions for improvement. He directed that air quality should be continuously monitored in the three cities.
- The Chief Secretary stressed on working on all measures to reduce PM 10 and PM 2.5. He said that to reduce PM 10, along with improving the condition of roads in cities, measures to reduce dust particles should be included. He said that special attention should be paid to paving of all roads, construction of footpaths etc. Said that proper disposal mechanism should be prepared for demolition waste. He instructed all local bodies to identify appropriate disposal sites for demolition waste. Said that it should also be given proper publicity so that the general public should know where the waste is to be disposed after the buildings are demolished. He also directed to take strict steps to remove construction material lying on the roads.
- The Chief Secretary talked about adopting measures to reduce PM 2.5 pollution caused by vehicles and factories. He directed to strictly implement pollution control rules. Said that if PCB needs to increase manpower for this then it should be increased. Chowk improvement works should be done for jam-free roads. He analyzed the reasons for improvement in Kashipur PM 2.5 compared to previous years and stressed on implementing it in other cities. He said that third party audit of the improvement works of these cities should also be conducted.
- The Chief Secretary directed the Pollution Control Board to submit an annual action plan under the National Clean Air Program for the financial year 2026-27. He said that good proposals should be prepared for this. Determining their priority, he said that all the proposals should be presented soon. He directed that to make the general public aware about this, demonstrations should be continuously held on display boards in various crowded places. All display boards should be activated under Smart City.
- On this occasion, Principal Secretary Shri R.K. Sudhanshu, Member Secretary UKPCB Dr. Parag Madhukar Dhakate and Additional Secretary Dr. Anand Srivastava and other senior officers were present. Information and Public Relations Department