The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has reviewed enforcement actions, compliance status and sector-specific inspections carried out across the National Capital Region (NCR), highlighting intensified efforts to curb air pollution. During the 134th meeting of the Enforcement Task Force (ETF) held on July 6, the Commission reviewed inspection reports and compliance measures undertaken between June 14 and June 30.

According to the Commission, its flying squads conducted 173 inspections during the 17-day period, covering construction sites, industrial units and diesel generator (DG) set installations. The inspections identified 62 cases of violations, prompting proposals for closure of units, sealing of DG sets and imposition of environmental compensation.

173 Inspections Across Key Sectors

Of the total inspections carried out during the reporting period:

15 inspections were conducted at Construction and Demolition (C&D) sites.

91 inspections covered industrial units.

67 inspections focused on diesel generator (DG) sets.

The inspection teams reported 62 violations, including:

7 violations at C&D sites.

31 violations in industrial units.

24 violations related to DG sets.

Closure and Penalty Action Proposed

Based on inspection findings, the Commission has proposed:

Closure of 4 industrial units/projects.

Sealing of 27 diesel generator sets.

Issuing 6 compliance directions/orders.

Imposition of environmental compensation in 17 cases.

The Commission said these actions are aimed at ensuring strict adherence to pollution control norms and preventing violations that contribute to deteriorating air quality in the NCR.

Compliance Review

The Enforcement Task Force also reviewed compliance with decisions taken during its 133rd meeting. It noted that the concerned agencies had completed the required follow-up actions in cases related to industries, construction activities and DG sets.

Following verification of compliance, the Commission issued seven work restoration orders for construction projects, including:

Two projects in Uttar Pradesh

Five projects in Haryana

Overall Enforcement Status

The Commission also reviewed cumulative enforcement data up to July 6, 2026.

According to CAQM:

27,750 units, projects and establishments have been inspected so far.

1,802 closure directions have been issued.

1,424 work restoration orders have been granted after compliance was verified.

123 cases have been referred to the respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) for final decisions.

255 cases remain under examination before restoration orders can be issued.

Focus on Stronger Enforcement

The Commission reiterated the need for a robust enforcement mechanism to improve air quality across the NCR. It stressed the importance of timely compliance verification, better coordination among implementing agencies and strict adherence to prescribed environmental norms.

CAQM also called for greater efficiency in inspections and faster enforcement actions in pollution-prone sectors such as industrial emissions, diesel generator sets and construction and demolition activities, while emphasising greater accountability among stakeholders to support long-term air quality improvement efforts.