Centre Issues One-Week Ultimatum to Delhi-NCR for Air Quality Improvement

• Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav directed Delhi-NCR authorities to ensure visible air quality improvement within a week.
• The directive followed a high-level review meeting with NCT Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh governments on air pollution.
• Minister Yadav emphasized strict action against defaulters while ensuring the general public faces no unnecessary inconvenience.
• Key directives include smooth traffic management at 62 congestion hotspots, promoting EV/CNG buses, and staggered timings for offices.
• Delhi-NCR currently faces severe air quality, with AQI in 'severe' category in areas like Anand Vihar (434) and Noida (416).

Why It Matters: Centre demands immediate air quality improvement in Delhi-NCR, threatening strict action amid severe pollution.