Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Delhi CM Highlights Stubble Burning Impact, Calls for Regional Cooperation on Air Quality and Water
Delhi's leader, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, met with leaders from nearby states.
She said smoke from burning leftover crops in other states, especially Punjab, is making the air in Delhi very dirty.
She asked these states to help make the air cleaner.
She also talked about cleaning up the Yamuna River, mentioning that Delhi and Haryana are working together on this.
Finally, she asked for more water from the Yamuna River for Delhi because the city is growing.
She also wants projects that build dams to be finished quickly so everyone can get enough water and electricity.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta linked severe air pollution in Delhi to stubble burning in neighboring states, particularly Punjab.
She urged Punjab and other states to cooperate in managing crop residue to ensure cleaner air for Delhi.
Gupta discussed efforts to clean the Yamuna River, emphasizing the need for better drain management and cooperation with Haryana.
She requested an increase in Delhi's share of Yamuna water from 980 MGD to 1250 MGD due to the city's growing needs.
The Chief Minister called for expediting the Renukaji, Lakhwar, and Kishau dam projects for adequate water supply and electricity generation.
- Who
- Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
- What
- Highlighted the impact of stubble burning on Delhi's air quality, discussed efforts to clean the Yamuna River, and requested an increase in Delhi's water share.
- When
- Monday
- Where
- Faridabad, at the 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council
- Why
- To address regional issues impacting Delhi, including air pollution, river cleaning, and water supply, and to seek cooperation from neighboring states.
Delhi's Stance
Regional States' Role
Stubble Burning Impact
Delhi's Stance
Delhi's air quality is heavily affected by smoke from stubble burning, particularly from Punjab.
Regional States' Role
While Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have shown progress in crop-residue management, Punjab's contribution to the smoke remains significantly high.
Yamuna River Cleaning
Delhi's Stance
Delhi government is taking important steps to improve the Yamuna's condition by trapping drains, completing sewer-line work, and ensuring treated water flows into the river.
Regional States' Role
Requires effective management of drains entering Delhi from Bahadurgarh, Jhajjar, and Gurugram, and cooperation from Haryana and other states.
Water Sharing Agreement
Delhi's Stance
Delhi needs its share of Yamuna water increased from 980 MGD to 1250 MGD due to growing requirements, and requests renewal of the 1994 agreement.
Regional States' Role
Cooperation needed for fast-tracking dam projects (Renukaji, Lakhwar, Kishau) and for other states to benefit from electricity generation. Also requests control over Munak Canal and ITO barrage maintenance.
- Event
- 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council
- Location
- Faridabad
- Key Issue 1
- Air pollution due to stubble burning from neighboring states
- Key Issue 2
- Yamuna river pollution and water management
- Key Issue 3
- Drinking water supply and sharing agreement for Yamuna water
- Delhi's Water Request
- Increase from 980 MGD to 1250 MGD
- Proposed Projects
- Renukaji, Lakhwar, and Kishau dam projects
