The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has reviewed enforcement and compliance measures undertaken across the National Capital Region (NCR), with a focus on industrial activities, construction and demolition (C&D) sites and diesel generator (DG) sets.
The review took place during the 139th meeting of the Enforcement Task Force (ETF) of CAQM on September 14, 2026. The meeting examined enforcement activities carried out during the 15-day reporting period from August 24 to September 7, 2026, and assessed the status of action taken against violations of prescribed air pollution control norms.
During the reporting period, enforcement agencies reported a total of 150 inspections across the NCR. These included seven inspections at C&D sites, 98 inspections of industrial units and 45 inspections involving DG sets. The inspections were aimed at identifying non-compliance and ensuring that activities with the potential to contribute to air pollution adhere to the applicable regulatory requirements.
A special enforcement drive was also undertaken in Nuh, Haryana, on September 3. Eight Flying Squad teams constituted by the Commission carried out inspections with support from the District Administration, Police and officials of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). The teams inspected 35 premises as part of the focused exercise.
Of the premises inspected in Nuh, 13 were found to be compliant with the prescribed requirements. Seven units were found locked and have been earmarked for re-inspection by the concerned State Pollution Control Board. Following the inspection findings, several enforcement measures have been recommended. These include a personal hearing in one case, sealing of one DG set, issuance of orders in seven cases and recovery of Environmental Compensation (EC) in six cases.
The ETF also reviewed violations reported from different sectors and proposed action against entities found to be non-compliant. The measures include closure directions for three C&D projects and one industrial unit. In addition, 25 DG sets located at C&D sites, industrial units and other premises have been proposed for sealing.
Further compliance directions have been recommended in one C&D case, two industrial cases and three cases concerning DG sets, covering a total of 10 DG sets. Environmental Compensation has also been proposed in two industrial cases. Depending on the nature and seriousness of individual violations, other cases have been identified for measures such as issuing letters to project proponents, conducting re-inspections, initiating prosecution proceedings and referring matters to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The meeting also assessed progress on resumption orders issued following the previous ETF meeting. As of September 10, six such orders had been issued after verification of compliance. These comprised one industrial unit and five C&D sites. Haryana and Uttar Pradesh accounted for three resumption orders each.
The cumulative enforcement figures demonstrate the scale of CAQM‘s ongoing monitoring efforts across the NCR. As of September 14, the Commission’s Flying Squads had conducted inspections at 28,547 units, projects and other entities. These inspections have resulted in 1,829 Closure Directions being issued.
Following subsequent verification of compliance, 1,479 Resumption Orders have been issued. Meanwhile, 126 cases have been referred to the respective State Pollution Control Boards or the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) for final decisions. Another 224 entities remain under examination for possible issuance of resumption orders.
CAQM has reiterated that sustained enforcement, timely compliance verification and effective coordination among implementing agencies are essential for controlling air pollution in the NCR. The Commission has called for faster enforcement action and strict monitoring of compliance, particularly in priority sectors such as industrial operations, C&D activities and DG sets.
The continued inspections and enforcement measures are intended to ensure adherence to prescribed pollution-control norms and strengthen coordinated efforts to mitigate air pollution across the NCR.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
