The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change held its 138th Enforcement Task Force meeting on 31 August 2026 to assess compliance with air quality rules across the National Capital Region. The review covered enforcement actions taken during a 16-day period in August across construction sites, factories and diesel generator installations.
What the enforcement actions show
Between 8 August and 23 August 2026, flying squads carried out 121 inspections in the NCR. These included:
- 10 inspections at construction and demolition sites
- 56 inspections at industrial facilities
- 20 inspections of diesel generator sets
Based on violations found, the Commission proposed closure of 4 construction and industrial projects, sealing of 17 diesel generator sets, and environmental compensation charges in 5 cases. Seven compliance orders were issued.
Nine facilities were permitted to resume operations after they verified compliance with norms. These comprised 2 industrial units and 7 construction projects, distributed as 1 in Delhi, 6 in Haryana and 2 in Uttar Pradesh.
Since its flying squads began operations, the Commission has inspected a cumulative total of 28,397 units and projects across the NCR. It has issued 1,823 closure directions, of which 1,473 have been lifted after compliance verification. A further 126 cases await final decisions from state pollution control boards, while 224 remain under examination.
What this means for you
If you run or work in construction, manufacturing or use diesel generators in the NCR, regular inspections will continue. Facilities that fail to meet air quality standards face closure until they comply. Those already closed can apply for reopening once they demonstrate they meet prescribed norms. The Commission’s focus on these three sectors suggests enforcement will remain active and frequent.