Lucknow, Aug. 23 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to step up measures to curb rising air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), a government spokesman said. "The CM's directives followed a high-level meeting chaired by the chief secretary reviewing stubble management, industrial emissions, road dust and other pollution-control measures," he said. Officials were asked to ensure adequate availability of balers and other machinery for crop-residue management and expedite pending tenders. Field-level monitoring of stubble burning and awareness campaigns among farmers were also emphasised. The chief secretary directed strict action against industries violating pollution-control norms, including regular inspections and installation of necessary pollution-control equipment. Departments were asked to appoint nodal officers for better coordination and ensure accurate, updated data on pollution-control measures is entered on the Pawan Portal. The meeting also reviewed road development and maintenance, with instructions to expedite works to control road dust, repair potholes and restore damaged footpaths. Officials were directed to speed up procurement of EV city buses and identify locations for charging stations. The chief secretary also called for monthly targets and regular review of vehicle-seizure operations....