Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has launched the comprehensive Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan 2026 to tackle the city’s air quality issues. As part of this initiative, the state government is fast-tracking its Innovation Challenge, with 33 selected prototypes ready for field trials starting in the first week of May 2026. These trials will last for three months to find scalable and practical solutions for cleaner air in the national capital.
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What are the key rules and deadlines under the 2026 Action Plan?
The new action plan introduces several strict measures and environmental targets to ensure measurable outcomes. The government will strictly implement the No PUC, No Fuel rule across the city, supported by digital tracking systems and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Additionally, specific deadlines have been set to clear major waste sites and improve green cover.
- Goods Vehicle Entry: From November 1, 2026, only BS-VI, CNG, or Electric goods vehicles will be allowed entry into Delhi.
- Waste Site Deadlines: Okhla site to be eliminated by July 2026, Bhalswa by December 2026, and Ghazipur by December 2027.
- Tree Plantation: A target of 70 lakh trees and shrubs has been set for 2026-27, aiming for over one crore total plantations.
- Public Transport: The bus fleet will expand to 13,760 by 2028-29, with a high priority on electric buses.
How will the Innovation Challenge support startups and new technology?
The Delhi government, through the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), is providing financial and logistical support to innovators and research institutions. An eight-member expert committee, headed by IIT Delhi Professor Sagnik Dey, will evaluate the performance of these 33 technologies during the pilot phase. The government aims to identify the most efficient and affordable technologies for large-scale adoption.
| Incentive Type | Financial Support |
|---|---|
| Pilot Testing (Shortlisted Teams) | ₹5 Lakh |
| Verified Solutions for Adoption | Up to ₹50 Lakh |
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta mentioned that this plan is an enforcement-driven campaign powered by resources and technology. The government is also preparing the Electric Vehicle Policy 2026 and upgrading the 311 platform to improve citizen participation in reporting pollution levels.
