Kiran Bedi urges for robust reforms to tackle India’s air pollution, saying the crisis won’t respond to half-measures.

By Aniket Chakraborty Dec 5, 2025 Arrow INDIA NEWS

In a new blog, she calls for stronger leadership and systemic change to address the air pollution problem.

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Bedi says the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) needs leadership with real authority to drive impact.

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She proposes merging the CAQM into the Environment Ministry for better coordination and effect.

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Bedi suggests a “Clean Air Mission Fund” for stable financing to monitor, enforce, and manage air quality.

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Enforcement is key — Bedi argues CAQM must have its own inspectorate to effectively penalize violators.

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She also calls for a “National Council of Environment Ministers” to align national policies and manage cross-border pollution.

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A real-time, AI-enabled “National Clean Air Data Centre” could help with predictive governance, Bedi adds.

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Delhi-NCR’s air pollution crisis worsens in winter due to a mix of local and regional factors like vehicular emissions and stubble burning.

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The Supreme Court has directed the government to revisit its air pollution action plan for Delhi, urging long-term solutions.

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