CAQM Crackdown: 124 Inspections Spark Closures Across NCR to Fight Pollution
CAQM conducts 124 inspections across NCR, proposing closures and sealing of units for air quality violations in the industrial and C&D sectors.
As the battle against deteriorating air quality intensifies in the National Capital Region, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ramped up its surveillance. During the 141st meeting of its Enforcement Task Force (ETF) held on October 16, the Commission reviewed a series of stringent enforcement actions and compliance statuses aimed at curbing pollution across the NCR and its adjoining areas.
The 15-Day Blitz: Inspections and Violations
Between September 25 and October 9, the CAQM conducted a total of 124 inspections to ensure environmental norms were being followed. The crackdown focused on three primary areas known for contributing significantly to smog and pollutants:
- Industrial Sector: 54 inspections were carried out, resulting in 35 reported violations.
- Diesel Generator (DG) Sets: 64 inspections were performed, uncovering 15 violations.
- Construction and Demolition (C&D) Sites: 6 inspections were conducted, with 5 found to be in violation of guidelines.
Strict Penalties: Closures and Sealings
The findings from these inspections have led to a wave of proposed enforcement actions. The CAQM is not merely issuing warnings but is moving toward shutting down non-compliant entities. Proposed measures include:
- Closures: The closure of three industrial units and two C&D projects.
- Sealing: 12 units across the DG and industrial sectors are slated for sealing.
- Compliance Orders: Directions for immediate compliance have been issued in five industrial cases, one C&D case, and one DG-related case.
Beyond these, the Commission is imposing Environmental Compensation (EC), ordering re-inspections, and forwarding critical cases to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
Resumptions and Case Transfers
While the hammer is falling on violators, the CAQM is also monitoring those who have corrected their ways. As of October 15, three resumption orders were issued for C&D sites—two in Haryana and one in Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, three cases (one industrial in Delhi and two C&D in Haryana) were transferred to respective SPCBs for a final decision.
The Bigger Picture: Flying Squad Statistics
The scale of the CAQM's operation is revealed in the cumulative data of its Flying Squads. As of October 16, the squads have inspected a staggering 28,868 units, projects, and entities across the NCR. This massive operation has resulted in:
- 1,837 Closure Directions issued to date.
- 1,491 Resumption Orders granted after compliance was verified.
- 130 cases transferred to the DPCC or SPCBs for final adjudication.
- 216 entities still awaiting resumption orders.
Strategic Shift: Focus on 'Red' and 'Orange' Industries
To make the enforcement more effective, the Commission has reiterated that inspections must prioritize Red and Orange category industries, specifically those utilizing boilers and furnaces, which are major sources of emissions.
The CAQM also addressed operational lapses, advising Flying Squads to be meticulous in verifying addresses before submitting reports. This comes after several Closure Directions and official letters were returned undelivered, hindering the enforcement process.
The Commission has emphasized the need for strengthened enforcement, timely verification of compliance, and seamless coordination between agencies to ensure that air pollution in the NCR is mitigated effectively.