In a strong enforcement move to curb rising air pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has ordered the immediate closure of 16 industrial units operating across NCR-linked regions of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The action follows detailed inspections that revealed serious and repeated violations of environmental laws, according to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Among the shut units, one is located in Uttar Pradesh’s NCR region, another in Rajasthan’s NCR area, while the remaining 14 are situated in Haryana’s Sonipat district. The inspections were carried out as part of CAQM’s intensified enforcement drive aimed at reducing industrial emissions and ensuring strict adherence to statutory environmental norms.
The ministry said the inspection teams uncovered multiple grave lapses during their visits. Several industrial units were found operating without mandatory Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate approvals, while others lacked functional air pollution control devices. Inspectors also flagged the use of unapproved fuels, continued operations during restricted periods under the Graded Response Action Plan, non-compliance of diesel generator sets with prescribed standards, and visible smoke and emissions from industrial processes.
In its statement, the ministry noted that many of the units were functioning in clear violation of existing statutes and official directions. Taking a serious view of these breaches, the Commission directed the immediate closure of the defaulting units until full compliance with environmental laws and regulatory conditions is ensured. CAQM reiterated that non-compliance would not be tolerated and warned that strict enforcement measures, including closures and penalties, would continue against erring industries.
The Commission also appealed to all industrial units operating in the NCR to strictly follow prescribed environmental norms, ensure proper installation and maintenance of pollution control equipment, and maintain continuous compliance to prevent further deterioration of air quality.
Alongside the industrial crackdown, CAQM also intensified its monitoring under the Graded Response Action Plan through an inspection drive in Delhi’s New Delhi Municipal Council area under its ‘Operation Clean Air’ initiative. The drive focused on identifying local sources of pollution, particularly the dumping and burning of municipal solid waste and biomass.
According to the ministry, the inspections were conducted on January 1, 2026, during evening hours, with 11 CAQM Flying Squad teams deployed across major NDMC jurisdictions. Areas such as Chanakyapuri, Connaught Place, Sarojini Nagar, Janpath, Parliament Street, Ashoka Road, Khan Market, Lodhi Estate, India Gate and surrounding roads were covered. Geo-tagged and time-stamped photographs were collected and compiled into a detailed report submitted to the Commission.
The consolidated findings showed that 54 inspections were carried out across the NDMC area. Biomass or municipal waste burning was detected at 18 locations, while instances of waste dumping were recorded at 35 locations. Biomass burning was largely observed near tea stalls, shops and informal settlements, mainly for heating purposes, while waste dumping was found along roadsides, near collection points and in secluded public spaces.
While many locations were found to be largely clean, the Commission said the violations highlighted the need for heightened vigilance, especially during evening and night hours. CAQM stressed that even occasional waste dumping and localised biomass burning can significantly harm air quality and require sustained preventive action to protect public health.