Content

1. Proactive Measures taken by CAQM to contain Air Pollution
2. Exercise MITRA SHAKTI–XI  

Proactive Measures taken by CAQM to contain Air Pollution

Why in News ?

• The CAQM reported a notable improvement in Delhi–NCR air quality due to multi-sectoral interventions.
• Average AQI (Jan–Nov 2025): 175 (↓ from 189 in 2024).
• PM2.5: 75 µg/m³ (↓ from 87 µg/m³) | PM10: 170 µg/m³ (↓ from 191 µg/m³).
• The improvement reflects effective implementation of statutory directions and cross-sector coordination across agriculture, waste management, transport, industry, and greening initiatives.

Relevance

• GS 3 (Environment): Air pollution control, Environmental governance, and statutory mechanisms (CAQM, GRAP, NCAP).

• GS 2 (Governance): Inter-governmental coordination, Centre–State relations in environmental regulation, policy implementation challenges.

• GS 3 (Science & Tech): Role of technology in pollution monitoring (OCEMS, anti-smog guns, predictive modelling).

Agricultural Emissions – Curbing Farm Fires

• Farm Fire Reduction (2025 vs 2024):
  • Punjab: 4,062 fires vs 6,266 → 35.2% decline.
  • Haryana: 333 fires vs 959 → 65.3% decline.
• Reasons:
  • Real-time review by CAQM with Punjab & Haryana authorities.
  • Strict enforcement of Statutory Directions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
  • Promotion of in-situ residue management technologies (Happy Seeder, Super Seeder).
  • Targeted awareness and incentive programmes for farmers.

Significance:

• Stubble burning contributes up to 30–40% of PM2.5 in winter, so this reduction directly improved regional AQI.

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management

• Achievements:
  • 23 lakh tonnes of dumpsite waste bio-mined in Delhi.
  • 7,000 TPD Waste-to-Energy and 750 TPD Bio-CNG/CBG capacity under development.
  • Legacy waste clearance ongoing in Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad.
• Infrastructure Enhancements:
  • CCTV cameras, methane detectors, fire suppression systems, PPE kits at landfills.
  • Zero tolerance for open burning (directive issued June 2025).
  • Enhanced night-time surveillance and citizen awareness via RWAs and local bodies.

Impact:

• Reduced methane emissions, landfill fires, and open waste burning, curbing both PM and GHG emissions.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Implementation

• Stage I (AQI 201–300): Enforced on 14 Oct 2025.
• Stage II (AQI 301–400): Enforced on 19 Oct 2025.
• Measures Implemented:
  • Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs) and water sprinklers deployed.
  • Anti-smog guns intensified across NCR.
  • Regulation of diesel generator (DG) sets.
  • Dynamic activation using IMD & IITM forecasts for predictive air quality management.

Significance:

• Transition from reactive to preventive pollution control model.

Vehicular Emission Control

• Statutory Directions (2025):
  • All inter-city buses to/from Delhi shifted to EV/CNG/BS-VI diesel.
  • Entry ban on BS-III and below commercial vehicles (HGVs, MGVs, LGVs) from 1 Nov 2025.
  • From 1 Jan 2026, only CNG/Electric 3-wheelers to be inducted in aggregator/delivery fleets.
• Objective: Tackle emissions at source rather than through end-of-pipe controls.

Impact:

• Vehicular sector = ~25% of NCR’s PM2.5 load; transition ensures long-term emission cuts and improved urban mobility.

Industrial & Construction Sector Compliance

• Industrial Sector:
  • 96% industries in NCR shifted to approved cleaner fuels (PNG, biomass, etc.).
  • PNG network extended to 224 of 240 industrial areas.
  • OCEMS Cell (Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System) set up for real-time emissions tracking.
  • 3,551 units identified for OCEMS; 1,556 closures for violations after 24,080 inspections.
• Construction & Demolition (C&D) Control:
  • Mandatory registration for sites >500 m² on state portals (DPCC/SPCB).
  • 30,000+ inspections, 250 closures for non-compliance.
  • Dust mitigation: barriers, covering materials, sprinkling, anti-smog guns.
  • Expansion of C&D waste processing capacity and promotion of recycled materials.

Impact:

• Ensures significant reduction in PM10 and secondary dust—the largest year-round pollutant source.

Greening and Urban Forestry Initiatives

• Progress (till Sep 2025):
  • 4.37 crore saplings planted across NCR – exceeding annual targets.
• Key Initiatives:
  • Urban forests using Miyawaki technique.
  • Green buffers along roads and industrial corridors.
  • Use of treated wastewater for irrigation.
  • Citizen engagement through schools, RWAs, institutions.

Environmental Value:

• Enhances carbon sequestration, mitigates urban heat islands, and improves microclimatic conditions.

Monitoring, Enforcement & Coordination

• Integrated Oversight:
  • CAQM continuously reviews actions with NCR States, SPCBs, DPCC, ULBs.
  • Regular sectoral performance reviews to sustain improvement trend.
  • Deployment of Flying Squads for surprise checks and enforcement.
• Institutional Role:
  • CAQM acts as a statutory authority under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, ensuring cohesive regional air governance.

2025 – Key Outcome Indicators

Strategic Significance

• Reflects multi-sectoral integration – agriculture, transport, industry, waste, greening.
• Aligns with National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) goals and SDG 11.6 (Clean Cities).
• Strengthens India’s preventive air quality governance model through data-led, statutory coordination.
• Enhances inter-state cooperation under a unified institutional framework.

AQI Categories:

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) 

• Statutory Authority: Established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 to ensure coordinated, region-wide action on air pollution.
• Jurisdiction: Covers Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh — i.e., entire NCR and adjoining districts with transboundary pollution influence.
• Composition: Chaired by a Government of India appointee (usually a senior bureaucrat); includes representatives from MoEFCC, CPCB, state governments, and technical experts.
• Functions: Formulates statutory directions, monitors compliance, coordinates inter-state actions, and oversees implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) measures.
• Powers: Can issue binding directions, impose penalties, close polluting units, and supersede state pollution control boards in matters related to NCR air quality management.

Conclusion

• The CAQM’s integrated approach across agriculture, transport, industry, waste, and greening sectors has led to measurable air quality improvement, with Delhi’s AQI falling to 175 in 2025.
• Over 96% industrial units’ fuel transition, 35–65% farm fire decline, and strengthened waste and vehicular regulations mark a shift from reactive to preventive air governance.
• The model demonstrates institutional convergence and data-driven accountability, aligning with NCAP and SDG 11.6 objectives for sustainable urban air management.

Exercise MITRA SHAKTI–XI  

Why in News ?

• The 11th edition of India–Sri Lanka joint military exercise “Mitra Shakti–2025” commenced on 10 November 2025 at Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka.
• Scheduled from 10–23 November 2025.
• Aimed at enhancing interoperability, counter-terrorism capabilities, and UN peacekeeping preparedness between the two armies.

Relevance

• GS 2 (International Relations): India–Sri Lanka bilateral relations; Defence and strategic cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

• GS 3 (Internal Security): Counter-terrorism training, joint military exercises, and interoperability under UN peacekeeping mandates.

Basic Details

• Participating Countries: India and Sri Lanka
• Edition: 11th
• Venue: Belagavi, Karnataka (India)
• Duration: 10–23 November 2025
• Indian Contingent: 170 personnel – mainly from Rajput Regiment + 20 IAF personnel
• Sri Lankan Contingent: 135 personnel – mainly from Gajaba Regiment + 10 SLAF personnel

Objectives of the Exercise

• Primary Aim:
  To jointly rehearse sub-conventional operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter (peace enforcement).
• Operational Goals:
  • Counter-terrorist and counter-insurgency operations.
  • Enhance joint tactical coordination between ground and air elements.
  • Practice UN peacekeeping scenarios and humanitarian assistance drills.

Scope and Training Activities

• Operational Drills:
  • Raid, search and destroy missions
  • Heliborne operations and securing helipads
  • Drone operations and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS)
  • Casualty evacuation during CT ops
  • Combat reflex shooting, Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), and Yoga
• Focus Areas:
  • Joint planning and execution of sub-conventional missions.
  • Minimising collateral damage and civilian casualties.
  • Developing interoperability and mutual trust for real-world peacekeeping.

Strategic Significance

1. Defence Cooperation:
   1. Strengthens India–Sri Lanka military-to-military ties under the framework of regional security cooperation.
   1. Expands the scope of defence diplomacy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
2. Regional Security Context:
   1. Both nations face non-traditional threats such as terrorism, maritime piracy, and hybrid warfare.
   1. Reinforces India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
3. UN Peacekeeping Preparedness:
   1. Aligns with Chapter VII UN mandates for peace enforcement operations.
   1. India’s experience in UN peacekeeping (one of the largest troop contributors) helps Sri Lanka upgrade its capabilities.
4. Technology Integration:
   1. Inclusion of drones, counter-UAS, and air support marks a modernisation shift.
   1. Enhances joint situational awareness and real-time coordination.

Evolution and Background

• Initiated: 2013, as part of growing defence cooperation post-civil war in Sri Lanka.
• Rotation Pattern: Conducted alternately in India and Sri Lanka.
• Recent Editions:
  • Mitra Shakti–X (2023): Held in Aundh, Pune.
  • Mitra Shakti–IX (2021): Ampara, Sri Lanka.

Relevance for India’s Strategic Objectives

• Neighbourhood First Policy: Deepens ties with a key maritime neighbour.
• Indian Ocean Strategy: Counters external influence (e.g., China) in the region through defence engagement.
• Capacity Building: Assists Sri Lanka in professionalising its military and adapting to multi-domain threats.

Conclusion

• The 2025 edition deepens India–Sri Lanka defence cooperation through realistic counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and air–ground coordination drills.
• It enhances interoperability under UN Chapter VII mandates while supporting India’s SAGAR and Neighbourhood First policies.
• The exercise strengthens regional stability and showcases India’s role as a security partner and capacity–builder in the Indian Ocean Region.