The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region (CAQM) has directed stricter enforcement of air pollution control measures across Delhi and neighbouring states. At its 26th enforcement meeting on 29 September 2026, the commission reviewed how well Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi are preparing to tackle dust, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution and paddy stubble burning as the winter season approaches.
Key facts
- Meeting held on 29 September 2026 under CAQM Chairperson Rajesh Verma
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems at fuel and CNG stations will enforce vehicle emission rules from 1 October 2026
- All diesel auto-rickshaws must be phased out from NCR districts by 31 December 2026
- BS-IV and older transport and commercial vehicles are restricted from entering Delhi under Direction No. 88
- Stone crushing units in NCR must comply with pollution prevention rules under Direction No. 103 dated 19 August 2026
- Industries must meet stringent emission standards under Direction No. 98 dated 20 February 2026
Stubble burning prevention
The commission reviewed preparedness in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for preventing paddy stubble burning during the 2026 season. States are expected to implement action plans aimed at complete elimination of stubble burning incidents. The review covered measures to encourage farmers to adopt crop diversification, Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) farming methods and alternative uses for crop residue. States are also strengthening awareness campaigns to encourage farmers to stop burning stubble.
Vehicle and fuel regulation
From 1 October 2026, ANPR systems will be installed at fuel and CNG stations across NCR to prevent vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) from refuelling. This means vehicle owners must maintain valid PUCC certificates or face inability to fuel their vehicles. The commission is also tracking compliance with rules restricting entry of older buses into Delhi and enforcing a shift towards cleaner fuel buses. Ride-hailing services, delivery providers and e-commerce logistics companies are being checked to ensure their vehicle fleets meet pollution standards. The commission is also intensifying action to impound and scrap end-of-life vehicles that exceed their operational age, following a Supreme Court order from December 2025.
Industrial and dust control
Stone crushing units operating in NCR must comply with pollution prevention measures. Industries across Delhi-NCR are required to meet stricter emission standards. The commission is preparing to deploy additional mechanical road sweeping machines before winter to remove dust from identified pollution hotspots. Construction and demolition sites, industrial facilities and diesel generator sets are being inspected through surprise visits to check compliance with CAQM directions.
Traffic and monitoring improvements
The commission is identifying traffic congestion hotspots in Delhi and NCR towns and plans to deploy Integrated Traffic Management Systems with automated enforcement through ANPR cameras. This allows faster identification of vehicles violating pollution rules. Complaints received through social media and referred by the Central Pollution Control Board are being tracked for timely resolution by Delhi and state agencies.
What this means for you
Vehicle owners in NCR must ensure their cars, buses and commercial vehicles have valid PUCC certificates, particularly as enforcement tightens from October 2026. Owners of diesel auto-rickshaws operating in NCR have until 31 December 2026 to switch to other vehicle types or phase out their operations. Those driving BS-IV or older commercial vehicles into Delhi should expect stricter enforcement. Farmers in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh should explore alternatives to stubble burning, including crop diversification and direct seeded rice farming, as the commission aims for complete elimination of burning incidents. Industries and construction sites can expect more frequent surprise inspections to verify compliance with emission and dust control standards.
What happens next
ANPR systems at fuel stations will begin enforcement on 1 October 2026. All diesel auto-rickshaws must be phased out by 31 December 2026. Stricter emission standards for industries and enhanced dust control measures will be implemented as the winter season progresses. The commission will continue monitoring compliance through surprise inspections and automated systems.