RamRajya News

Air Pollution Compliance Under CAQM Review

The Enforcement Task Force (ETF) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has reviewed inspection outcomes, enforcement measures, and compliance status across the National Capital Region (NCR), reaffirming the Commission’s resolve to curb air pollution through sustained and coordinated action.
The review was undertaken during the 125th meeting of the ETF held on February 6, 2026, covering enforcement activities carried out between January 20 and February 4, 2026. The 16-day review period focused on major pollution sources including industrial units, construction and demolition activities, road dust, diesel generator sets, and incidents of municipal solid waste and biomass burning.

739 Inspections Conducted Across Key Pollution Sectors

According to CAQM, Flying Squads conducted a total of 739 inspections across NCR during the reporting period. The inspections included 680 visits to industrial units, 52 inspections in the construction and demolition sector, and seven inspections related to diesel generator set operations.

These inspections resulted in the detection of 336 violations, highlighting persistent compliance gaps. The industrial sector accounted for the largest share with 229 violations, followed by 34 violations in construction and demolition activities and five violations linked to unauthorized use of diesel generator sets.

Closures, Sealing Actions and Show Cause Notices

Based on inspection findings, enforcement actions have been proposed against several non-compliant entities. The Commission has proposed closure directions for 21 units found violating environmental norms, while sealing of diesel generator sets has been recommended for 53 establishments.

In addition, show cause notices have been issued to two units, and 63 inspection reports remain under examination for further action. The Task Force reviewed these cases in detail to ensure due process while maintaining strict enforcement standards.

Special Drives to Control Road Dust Pollution

Special road dust inspection drives were conducted in Greater Noida on January 23, 2026, and in Gurugram on February 5, 2026. Road stretches were assessed for compliance with prescribed dust mitigation measures such as mechanical sweeping and water sprinkling.

Following the inspections, concerned civic and road-owning agencies were advised to strictly adhere to dust control norms, particularly during peak traffic hours and in the evening, when dust resuspension significantly contributes to deteriorating air quality.

Over 25,900 Entities Inspected So Far

The Task Force also reviewed the cumulative enforcement status as of February 6, 2026. It was noted that Flying Squads of the Commission have inspected 25,975 units, projects, and entities across the NCR since the enforcement mechanism was put in place.

Based on these inspections, closure directions have been issued to 1,661 non-compliant units. Of these, 1,278 units have been permitted to resume operations after verification of compliance, while 123 cases have been transferred to State Pollution Control Boards and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee for final decisions.

Resumption requests of the remaining 260 entities are currently under examination in accordance with established procedures, reflecting CAQM’s emphasis on both enforcement and corrective compliance.

CAQM Stresses Sustained Vigilance and Coordination

The Commission reiterated the need for sustained enforcement, prompt follow-up on violations, and close coordination among all implementing agencies to ensure effective abatement of air pollution across the NCR.

Emphasis was laid on strengthening on-ground vigilance, timely corrective action by concerned authorities, and strict compliance with directions issued by CAQM, underscoring that consistent enforcement remains key to improving regional air quality and protecting public health.

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