New Delhi, June 20: The Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) has intensified its monitoring and enforcement actions to combat air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas. During the 133rd meeting of the Enforcement Task Force (ETF) held on May 30, 2026, the commission reviewed inspections, compliance status, and actions taken across various sectors from May 30 to June 13, 2026.
The meeting revealed that the commission’s flying squad conducted a total of 199 inspections over the 15-day period. These included 10 inspections at construction and demolition (C&D) sites, 94 at industrial units, and 95 related to diesel generator (DG) sets. A total of 66 violations were identified, comprising 8 from C&D sites, 23 from the industrial sector, and 35 associated with DG sets.
Based on the inspection reports, the commission proposed to shut down four industrial units or projects, seal 29 DG sets, issue 12 compliance directives, and impose environmental compensation (EC) in two cases. The commission emphasized that strict actions against violators will continue.
The meeting also reviewed actions taken since the previous 132nd ETF meeting. It was noted that necessary steps had been taken in all actionable cases related to C&D sites and DG sets. After confirming compliance, a total of 12 units and projects were granted permission to resume operations, including six industrial units and six C&D sites. Regionally, eight orders for resumption were issued in Uttar Pradesh, three in Haryana, and one in Delhi.
The ETF also examined the report from a special inspection campaign conducted in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, on June 15. During this campaign, 10 industrial units were inspected, of which only one was found compliant, while nine exhibited serious deficiencies. Key issues included malfunctioning pollution control equipment, non-operational wet scrubbers and air pollution control devices, poor condition of smoke control systems, and non-compliance with emission standards.
The commission directed all relevant agencies to ensure timely submission of inspection reports, rigorously check compliance of industrial units, and take immediate action against violators. As of June 19, 2026, the flying squad has inspected a total of 27,577 units, projects, and entities, issuing 1,797 closure orders, while 1,416 cases were allowed to resume operations after compliance was confirmed.
The CAQM reiterated its commitment to strict enforcement, improved coordination, and continuous emphasis on adherence to environmental standards to control air pollution in the NCR.
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