CAQM inspection drive finds widespread violations
A major enforcement drive by the Commission for Air Quality Management detected violations in 85 out of 197 inspections across Delhi-NCR in September.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) detected violations in 85 out of 197 inspections conducted across the National Capital Region between September 8 and 24, 2024. The enforcement task force focused on industrial units, diesel generator sets, and construction sites as air quality dipped to moderate levels ahead of winter.
Inspections were heavily weighted towards the industrial sector. The breakdown of inspections and violations is detailed below.
| Sector | Inspections Conducted | Violations Found |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial | 111 | 49 |
| Diesel Generator (DG) Sets | 76 | 28 |
| Construction & Demolition (C&D) | 10 | 8 |
Targeted actions in Hapur and Loni highlight sector-specific failures
Special drives in two Uttar Pradesh districts revealed severe compliance gaps. Officials inspected 21 industrial units in Loni, Ghaziabad, on September 29. Every single unit was found non-compliant. Violations included operating furnaces without adequate stacks, a lack of air-pollution-control devices, missing valid No Objection Certificates, the use of unapproved fuel like coal, and deficiencies in waste-processing facilities. Action was taken against all units.
A separate special inspection drive was conducted in Hapur on September 15. Seven teams from the CAQM's Flying Squads, along with district administration, police, and Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board officers, inspected 22 premises. Only five premises were found fully compliant. One premise had already been sealed by the state board. For the remaining cases, authorities suggested sealing one DG set, issuing orders in five cases, and pursuing re-inspection and prosecution in two others. Closure was also suggested for four units.
Proposed enforcement measures target polluters
Following the broader inspection period, authorities proposed a series of enforcement actions. These include the sealing of 28 diesel generator sets and the closure of four construction and demolition projects and one industrial unit. Compliance directions were issued in 17 cases. Environmental compensation was proposed in 10 cases. Other follow-up measures involved issuing letters to project proponents, forwarding cases to pollution control boards, and ordering re-inspections.
Broader coordination and follow-up underway
The CAQM reviewed these enforcement actions at its 140th Enforcement Task Force meeting on October 1. The commission stressed the need for continued inspections, timely verification of compliance, and stronger coordination among agencies across the NCR. A total of 127 cases have been transferred to respective State Pollution Control Boards and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee for final decisions. One specific case concerning an industrial unit in Uttar Pradesh was transferred for a final ruling. The review included discussions on inter-state coordination between the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
As of September 30, 2024, nine resumption orders had been issued, indicating ongoing follow-up on past enforcement actions. A cumulative total of 216 entities remain pending for the issuance of such orders.
