Ban on entry of polluting commercial vehicles into Delhi from Nov 1
New Delhi (PTI): The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Friday approved a sweeping ban on the entry of polluting commercial vehicles into Delhi from November 1 and warned of strict action against officials failing to stop stubble burning in NCR states.
Chairing the 25th meeting of the Commission, CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma ratified directions empowering district authorities in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and NCR regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to initiate legal proceedings against officials showing inaction on stubble burning.
In line with a Supreme Court order, CAQM decided that only BS-VI, CNG, LNG, and electric goods vehicles will be allowed to enter Delhi from November 1.
BS-IV light, medium, and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi will be permitted till October 31, 2026, as a transitional measure.
Enforcement agencies have been told to ensure strict checks at all border entry points.
CAQM also put on hold its earlier directive to remove 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in NCR after the court barred coercive steps against such owners.
The meeting reviewed winter action plans of Delhi and NCR states and asked Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to intensify surveillance and ensure effective crop residue management.
The Commission took note of the Supreme Court's October 15 order allowing sale of green firecrackers only at designated NCR locations between October 18 and 20 and restricting their use to specific hours on Diwali eve and day.
District teams have been directed to ensure strict enforcement.
CPCB and state pollution boards will monitor air quality from October 14 to 25 and collect sand and water samples from areas with heavy firecracker use.
All agencies were told to regularly review air pollution control measures and ensure strict implementation under the Graded Response Action Plan.
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Minister Patil chairs industry meetings to chart growth for key sectors in Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Tuesday chaired meetings with industry representatives from the aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto/EV, and green energy sectors to discuss sector growth and government support measures.
The meetings were attended by leading industrialists and their representatives, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister for Large and Medium Industries said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.
He noted that Suzuki and Toyota plan to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project.
Industrialists suggested introducing similar “fly-taxi” services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.
The minister highlighted the need to establish testing centres and Common Facility Centres for the aerospace and defence industries and assured that these facilities would be provided.
Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sector growth.
Karnataka has urged the Central Government to approve Defence Corridor projects in the Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions.
Industrialists also suggested a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru, Patil said.
He said Karnataka aims to become a hub for defence electronics manufacturing, with plans to establish a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park.
These projects will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational, and land availability will not be an issue.
On the machine tools sector, Patil said the industry has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and is witnessing steady growth.
Large-scale exhibitions have increased demand, and the state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, with another planned for Tumakuru. Expansion of vocational training institutes in industrial areas is also underway.
In the Auto and EV sector, Vision Group members highlighted the need for a network of dry ports and more EV charging stations across the state.
Patil noted that the Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharawada for nationwide supply. Plans for mini excavator production and export facilitation were also discussed, along with the establishment of a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs.
For the Green Energy sector, the group emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage and the establishment of data centres.
Patil assured that the government will seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.
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