The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday gave its nod to sweeping draft measures aimed at tackling chronic air pollution that called for the registration of only electric three-wheelers in the L5 vehicle category from 2027 onwards. L5 is a category of vehicles that carry passengers and goods. The vehicles, which may be electric, petrol- or diesel-powered, can exceed 25 kmph, are slightly high-powered and have a curb weight less than 1,500 kg.
Phased Implementation Across Delhi-NCR
The commission said the move would be implemented across Delhi-NCR in a phased manner. Under the proposal, only electric three-wheelers will be registered in Delhi from January 1, 2027, followed by high vehicle density districts such as Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Noida from January 1, 2028, and the remaining NCR districts from January 1, 2029. The commission also called for stricter curbs on polluting vehicles and action against stubble burning.
Additional Measures Targeting Emissions
The CAQM panel approved several other draft directions targeting transport, agriculture and industry emissions. The commission said in a statement that a recent report by air quality experts had identified the vehicle sector as one of the major contributors of PM2.5 emissions in Delhi-NCR and emphasised accelerated transition towards cleaner mobility. The commission also approved another measure under which fuel stations across NCR may dispense fuel only to vehicles carrying a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) from October 1, 2026. The move is aimed at curbing emissions contributing to PM2.5, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide levels.
Action Against Stubble Burning
Expressing concern over rising incidents of wheat stubble burning, the commission directed states to strengthen enforcement. Punjab recorded 8,986 incidents of stubble burning between April 1 and May 14 this year, compared to 6,474 in the same period in 2025. Haryana reported 3,290 incidents against 1,503 last year. The commission also approved an updated action plan for the complete elimination of paddy stubble burning in the NCR states in the 2026 harvest season.
Strengthening Pollution Monitoring
Highlighting efforts to strengthen pollution monitoring, it said that 46 additional Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) would be installed across Delhi-NCR, raising their number to 157.
