The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) held its 140th enforcement review meeting on 1 October 2026 to assess air quality compliance across the National Capital Region. During a 17-day period from 8 to 24 September, the Commission’s Flying Squads conducted 197 inspections and proposed enforcement actions against 85 cases of non-compliance.
Key facts
- 197 inspections conducted in 17 days: 10 at construction and demolition sites, 111 in industrial units, 76 for diesel generator sets
- 85 violations found: 8 in construction, 49 in industrial sector, 28 diesel generator-related
- Enforcement actions proposed: closure of 4 construction projects and 1 industrial unit; sealing of 28 diesel generator sets
- 9 resumption orders issued as of 30 September across Delhi (1), Haryana (3) and Uttar Pradesh (5)
- Cumulative total: 28,744 inspections by Flying Squads, 1,831 closure directions, 1,488 resumption orders issued
- Special drive in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh on 15 September: 22 premises inspected, 4 directed for closure
- Special drive in Loni, Ghaziabad on 29 September: 21 units inspected, all 21 found non-compliant
What violations were found
The enforcement actions uncovered breaches across three priority sectors. In construction and demolition, eight violations were recorded. The industrial sector showed the highest violation count at 49 cases, with 22 of these identified during a special inspection drive in Hapur. Diesel generator violations numbered 28, with sealing of 28 sets and compliance orders for 4 more sets proposed.
In the special inspection of Hapur in mid-September, common violations included furnaces operating without adequate stacks or air pollution control devices, units lacking valid consent to operate from pollution boards, industrial operations in non-conforming residential areas, and use of unapproved fuel such as coal. In the Loni, Ghaziabad drive conducted on 29 September, all 21 industrial units inspected showed non-compliance. Inspectors observed furnaces without proper stacks or pollution control equipment, pit furnaces operating without emission monitoring systems, unauthorised fuel use, and in some previously sealed premises, indications of continued illegal operation through sounds of machinery and smoke emissions.
Enforcement actions proposed
The Commission proposed a tiered response to violations. For the most serious breaches, closure orders were issued against 4 construction projects and 1 industrial unit. Additionally, 28 diesel generator sets were ordered sealed, and compliance orders were issued in 17 cases. Ten cases were referred for environmental compensation payments as a penalty for violations. The Commission also ordered letters to project proponents, re-inspections, forwarding of cases to state pollution control boards and advisories in remaining cases.
Progress on compliance verification
The review also tracked progress in verifying whether previously closed units had corrected violations and could resume operations. As of 30 September, 9 resumption orders had been issued to units that were found compliant with air quality norms: 2 industrial units and 7 construction sites. These were distributed across Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. However, 216 entities remain pending issuance of resumption orders, and 127 cases were transferred to state pollution control boards for final decision-making.
Cumulative enforcement record
Since its formation, CAQM’s Flying Squads have conducted inspections at 28,744 units, projects and entities across the NCR. These inspections led to 1,831 closure directions. Of these, 1,488 units have since been allowed to resume operations after verification that they met air quality and pollution control requirements.
What this means for you
If you operate an industrial unit, construction site or diesel generator set in the NCR, CAQM enforcement is active and unannounced inspections are frequent. Ensure your unit has valid consent to operate from the local pollution control board, proper pollution control devices are installed and functioning, fuel is approved, and waste is managed according to norms. Non-compliance can result in closure, sealing of equipment, or financial penalties. If your unit was previously closed, resumption of operations depends on successful compliance verification.
What happens next
The Commission reiterated the need for continued enforcement, timely verification of compliance and coordination among implementing agencies. It emphasised expeditious enforcement action, strict compliance monitoring and continued inspections across industrial units, construction activities and diesel generator sets to mitigate air pollution across the NCR.