High levels of air pollution, particularly in the National Capital Region, dominated a debate on the working of Environment Ministry in the Rajya Sabha on Monday (March 9, 2026). The Members demanded strict protocols to curb pollution and demanded “conceptual restructuring” of the Ministry to meet the emerging challenges of climate change.

BJP MP Ghanshyam Tiwari, initiating the debate, said the Narendra Modi government has taken several initiatives to curb environmental pollution, intensify forest conservation work and increase the number of tigers. “Waste is increasing in every sector. We have to tackle this waste through proper management,” he said.

YSR Congress Party’s Ayodhya Rami Reddy Alla demanded “structural transformation and restructuring” of the Ministry and urged the government to stop operating in thematic silos.

“The Ministry was last conceptually restructured in 2014 when climate change was added to its name, but no comprehensive strategic review of its mandate, structure or capabilities has been conducted. This also needs to be completely re-looked,” he said.

BJP’s nominated member Ujjwal Nikam said the protection of urban forest is an important issue. “India is urbanising rapidly. Our cities are no doubt expanding. Infrastructure is growing, and population densities are increasing. In this context, urban forests are no longer just recreational green spaces, they perform critical ecological functions,” he said.

The TDP’s Masthan Rao Yadav Beedha said air pollution was the most pressing environmental challenges. “While initiatives such as the national clean air programme have shown encouraging results, further action is required. There is a strong case for investing in better field infrastructure, technology-enabled monitoring systems and improved welfare measures for forest personnel,” he said.

AIADMK’s M. Dhanapal too echoed the sentiments and said rapid administration, industrial emissions, vehicle pollution, construction activities and burning of biomass have significantly contributed to the deterioration of air quality in many cities. “Poor air quality not only harms the environment but also poses severe risk to the health of millions of citizens, particularly children and the elderly. The situation in the capital city of Delhi and NCR region is more alarming,” he said.

AAP Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal said Delhi’s air pollution crisis is an “ongoing crime” against its residents. She said the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) must be freed from bureaucratic clutches and made autonomous.

“Experts should lead it (CAQM). Equip it with real resources and authority, and allocate a dedicated ₹10,000 crore special fund with a singular, non-negotiable mandate to eliminate air pollution across the Delhi NCR region,” she said. “Breathing in Delhi is equivalent to smoking 50 cigarettes a day. Behind every statistic is a mother who left too soon, a child who cannot play without coughing, a labourer forced to work in poisoned air from morning to night,” she said.