NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has reviewed enforcement actions, compliance status and sector-specific inspections across the National Capital Region, with further action proposed against reported violations in construction, industrial and diesel generator activities.
The Enforcement Task Force (ETF) held its 138th meeting on August 31 to review enforcement activity during the 16-day reporting period from August 8 to August 23, 2026.
During the period, CAQM’s Flying Squads carried out 121 inspections across key sectors. These included 10 inspections at Construction and Demolition (C&D) sites, 56 inspections in the industrial sector and 20 inspections related to diesel generator (DG) sets.
Based on inspection reports identifying violations, the ETF proposed closure of four C&D projects or industrial units, sealing of 17 DG sets, issuance of seven compliance orders or directions and imposition of Environmental Compensation in five cases.
The ETF also reviewed compliance with decisions taken at its 137th meeting and noted that all actionable cases relating to industrial units, C&D activities and DG sets had been acted upon.
Following verification of compliance, nine resumption orders have been issued, covering two industrial units and seven C&D projects. Of these, one order was issued in Delhi, six in Haryana and two in Uttar Pradesh.
Cumulative enforcement crosses 28,000 inspections
CAQM also reviewed the cumulative enforcement position as of August 31, 2026.
Its Flying Squads have so far conducted inspections at 28,397 units, projects and entities across the NCR. These inspections have resulted in 1,823 Closure Directions being issued.
Of the entities subjected to closure directions, 1,473 Resumption Orders have subsequently been issued following verification of compliance. Another 126 cases have been transferred to the respective State Pollution Control Boards or the Delhi Pollution Control Committee for final decisions.
A further 224 entities remain under examination for issuance of resumption orders.
Continued focus on priority sectors
The Commission reiterated the need for stronger enforcement, timely verification of compliance and closer coordination among implementing agencies to ensure effective implementation of prescribed norms.
CAQM said enforcement and inspections would continue to focus on priority sectors including industrial units, C&D activities, DG sets and road works as part of efforts to mitigate air pollution across the NCR.
