India Forms Expert Panel to Tackle Delhi’s Vehicular Air Pollution Crisis

A high-level expert committee has been formed to combat severe air pollution in Delhi. The Commission for Air Quality Management announced the panel on Friday. Its goal is to create a roadmap to cut harmful vehicular emissions in the capital region.

This move directly addresses a major public health challenge. Vehicular emissions are a primary contributor to dangerous pollutants like PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides. According to the CAQM statement, urgent action is needed.

Panel to Review EV Transition and Emission Standards

The 15-member committee is led by Ashok Jhunjhunwala of IIT Madras. It includes top health and environmental experts. Notable members are former AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria and IIT Kanpur’s Mukesh Sharma.

The group will review current clean mobility policies. This includes Bharat Stage emission norms and electric vehicle initiatives. They will assess the readiness and costs of a faster EV transition across all vehicle types.

A Two-Month Deadline for Concrete Recommendations

The expert panel faces a tight schedule. It is required to submit its recommendations within two months. The first meeting is set for mid-December 2025.

The committee’s work will inform evidence-based policy. Its findings could shape future regulations on fuel and vehicles in northern India. This effort coincides with parliamentary calls for updated national air quality standards.

The formation of this expert panel marks a critical step in India’s fight against urban air pollution. Its forthcoming recommendations will be closely watched by public health advocates and industry leaders alike. The success of this initiative could define Delhi’s environmental future.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Q1: Who is leading the new air pollution expert committee?

The committee is chaired by Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala from IIT Madras. He is a renowned expert in technology and sustainable systems. The panel includes other leading academics and health specialists.

Q2: What is the main task of this committee?

Its primary task is to recommend a roadmap to reduce vehicular emissions in Delhi-NCR. The panel will review current policies on clean mobility and electric vehicles. It must submit its findings within two months.

Q3: Why are vehicular emissions a focus for Delhi’s air quality?

Vehicles are a major source of PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide in the region. These pollutants pose serious public health risks. Tackling this source is essential for improving air quality.

Q4: How does this relate to other recent air quality actions?

A parliamentary panel recently urged the government to update national air quality standards. These standards were last revised in 2009. The new expert committee’s work supports this broader regulatory push.

Q5: What happens after the committee gives its recommendations?

The CAQM and relevant ministries will review the proposed roadmap. Recommendations could lead to new policies on fuel standards, vehicle technology, or electric vehicle incentives. Implementation will depend on government approval.