CAQM: 55 pollution-control violations, 124 NCR inspections

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) reported 55 pollution-control violations following 124 inspections across the National Capital Region between 25 September and 9 October 2026. In a press release dated 17 October 2026, the commission said proposed enforcement measures included closing two construction and demolition projects and three industrial units, and sealing 12 units across the industrial and diesel-generator sectors.^[1]

The findings were reviewed at the 141st meeting of CAQM’s Enforcement Task Force on 16 October 2026. The release describes these measures as proposals, not completed closures or sealing actions. It also records compliance reviews and permissions to resume operations in earlier cases, separating the latest inspection findings from follow-up action on previous violations.^[1]

Industrial inspections account for most reported violations

Industrial units accounted for 35 of the reported violations, followed by diesel generator sets with 15 and construction and demolition sites with five. Generator-related checks made up the largest portion of inspections during the reporting period, according to the commission.^[1]

Source: CAQM’s release dated 17 October 2026, covering the reporting period from 25 September to 9 October 2026.^[1]

The release gives sector-level totals but does not identify the projects or units involved, describe each violation or provide a state-wise breakdown of these inspections. It therefore does not establish which locations accounted for the latest findings or which specific breaches prompted each proposed action.^[1]

Alongside closure and sealing proposals, the commission listed proposed compliance orders or directions in one construction case, five industrial cases and one generator-related case. Other measures included environmental compensation, re-inspections, referrals to pollution control boards, and advisories or letters to project proponents and authorities. The release did not specify compensation amounts or divide the 12 proposed sealing actions between industrial units and generator-related cases.^[1]

Earlier closures and permissions to restart

The task force separately examined action on cases considered at its previous meeting. That review covered closures, sealing of generator sets, environmental compensation letters, advisories, referrals and re-inspections. These were follow-up proceedings, rather than a further count of violations from the latest reporting period.^[1]

As of 15 October 2026, three resumption orders had been issued after the previous meeting, all for construction and demolition sites. Resumption orders permit operations to restart. Two concerned sites in Haryana and one concerned a site in Uttar Pradesh, CAQM said.^[1]

Another three cases had been transferred to the relevant State Pollution Control Boards or authorities for a final decision. These comprised one industrial case and two construction cases; geographically, one concerned Delhi and two concerned Haryana. The release does not match each sector to a location.^[1]

The cumulative record, reviewed as of 16 October 2026, showed that CAQM’s Flying Squads had inspected 28,868 units, projects and entities across NCR. The commission reported 1,837 closure directions, of which 1,491 had been followed by resumption orders after verification of compliance.^[1]

A further 130 cases had been transferred to State Pollution Control Boards or the Delhi Pollution Control Committee for final decisions, while 216 entities remained for issuance of resumption orders. These are cumulative enforcement figures, not results confined to the latest inspection period.^[1]

The task force also reviewed 34 industrial-sector orders, 29 construction-sector orders and 27 generator-related orders issued as of 15 October 2026. Processing included cases requiring additional information, personal hearings and re-inspection, the commission said.^[1]

Earlier inspection instructions identified recurring breaches

The latest review follows a CAQM communication dated 20 March 2026 on ensuring a transparent and robust inspection mechanism. Addressed to pollution control authorities in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, it said analysis of Flying Squad reports had identified a pattern of industrial violations, including serious breaches. That earlier communication provides enforcement background; it does not identify the breaches behind the latest 55 reported violations.^[2]

Its list included unapproved fuels, operation without valid Consent to Operate, and boilers or furnaces outside the scope of that operating consent. It also identified missing or non-functional air pollution control devices, equipment intended to control emissions, and arrangements allowing untreated emissions to escape. Other listed problems included heavy visible black emissions and inadequate covering or handling of raw materials.^[2]

CAQM asked the authorities to train and direct field staff to prevent repeated violations. Where persistent non-compliance was observed, it called for responsibility to be fixed and action initiated against the officials concerned. Those instructions concerned enforcement accountability, rather than a finding against any named official in the October review.^[2]

At the October meeting, the commission reiterated its inspection priority for industries with furnaces and boilers. It also identified a practical obstacle to enforcement: closure directions and letters had been returned undelivered. Flying Squads were told to follow standing instructions requiring complete and accurate addresses to be verified before inspection reports were submitted.^[1]

References

1. Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas. 141st Meeting of Enforcement Task Force (ETF) reviews enforcement actions, compliance status and inspections across NCR. 17 October 2026. https://caqm.nic.in/FileUploadDomain/WebsiteDocument/Connect/Press%20Releases/2ad850d1-8b95-4eb5-a3d7-e60892ea7a9d.pdf
2. Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas. Regarding ensuring transparent and robust inspection mechanism – Reg. 20 March 2026.