CAQM reports 62 air pollution violations across NCR in 17 days; proposes closure of four units

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has detected 62 violations of air pollution norms across the National Capital Region (NCR) during a 17-day inspection drive, proposing the closure of four units or projects, the sealing of 27 diesel generator (DG) sets, and the imposition of environmental compensation in 17 cases.

The violations came to light during 173 inspections carried out by the Commission’s Flying Squads between June 14 and June 30, the CAQM said after the 134th meeting of its Enforcement Task Force (ETF), held on Monday.

Advertisement

Of the total inspections, 91 were conducted in the industrial sector, 67 targeted DG sets, and 15 covered construction and demolition (C&D) sites. The inspections revealed 31 violations in industrial units, 24 involving DG sets, and seven at C&D sites.

Based on the inspection reports, the Commission has also proposed issuing six directions for compliance, in addition to the closure, sealing, and environmental compensation measures.

The ETF reviewed the follow-up action taken after its previous meeting and said that all actionable cases relating to industries, C&D sites, and DG sets had been acted upon by the concerned agencies. Seven construction sites—five in Haryana and two in Uttar Pradesh—were allowed to resume operations after compliance with pollution control norms was verified.

Since the enforcement mechanism was put in place, the Commission’s Flying Squads have inspected 27,750 industrial units, projects, and other entities across the NCR.

These inspections have resulted in 1,802 closure directions, of which 1,424 have been revoked after compliance was confirmed. Another 255 cases are under examination for possible resumption, while 123 have been referred to the respective state pollution control authorities for a final decision.

The Commission directed enforcement agencies to strengthen inspections, expedite compliance verification, and ensure stricter enforcement in pollution-prone sectors, particularly industries, DG sets, and construction activities.