CAQM flying squads find 62 pollution violations in NCR across 173 checks
Synopsis
CAQM's flying squads flagged 62 pollution violations across 173 inspections in the NCR between 14 and 30 June — with industrial units and DG sets accounting for the bulk. With 27,750 cumulative inspections on record and winter smog season months away, the data signals both the scale of the enforcement effort and how much non-compliance persists.
Key Takeaways
CAQM flying squads conducted 173 inspections across the NCR between 14 June and 30 June 2025 , detecting 62 violations .
Violations were split across C&D sites (7) , the industrial sector (31) , and DG sets (24) .
Proposed actions include closure of 4 units , sealing of 27 DG sets , and Environmental Compensation in 17 cases .
Seven Resumption Orders were issued for C&D sites — 2 in Uttar Pradesh and 5 in Haryana .
Cumulatively, CAQM has inspected 27,750 entities , issued 1,802 Closure Directions , and granted 1,424 Resumption Orders to date.
255 entities remain under examination for Resumption Orders; 123 cases referred to SPCBs/DPCC for final decision.
The flying squads of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas detected 62 violations of pollution control norms during 173 inspections carried out between 14 June and 30 June, according to an official statement released on Monday, 7 July 2025. The findings were presented at the 134th meeting of the Enforcement Task Force (ETF) of the CAQM, convened to review enforcement actions, inspection outcomes, and compliance status across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Breakdown of Inspections and Violations
Of the 173 inspections conducted over the 17-day reporting period, 15 were carried out at construction and demolition (C&D) sites, 91 in the industrial sector, and 67 pertained to diesel generator (DG) sets. The 62 violations detected were distributed across all three categories: seven at C&D sites, 31 in the industrial sector, and 24 related to DG sets.
Penalties and Compliance Actions Proposed
Based on inspection reports, the CAQM has proposed a range of enforcement measures. These include the closure of four units or projects, sealing of 27 DG sets, issuance of six orders or directions for compliance, and imposition of Environmental Compensation (EC) in 17 cases, according to the official statement. The ETF also confirmed that all actionable cases from the preceding 133rd ETF meeting have since been acted upon by the relevant agencies.
Resumption Orders and Ongoing Compliance
A total of seven Resumption Orders pertaining to C&D sites were issued following verification of compliance — two in Uttar Pradesh and five in Haryana. This comes amid sustained enforcement pressure on construction activity across the NCR, a sector historically associated with significant particulate matter emissions during both summer and winter months.
Cumulative Enforcement Status
Reviewing the cumulative enforcement record as of 7 July 2025, the ETF noted that CAQM flying squads have inspected 27,750 units, projects, and entities to date. Of these, 1,802 Closure Directions have been issued, with 1,424 Resumption Orders granted upon verified compliance. A further 123 cases have been referred to the respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) or the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) for a final decision, while 255 entities remain under examination for potential Resumption Orders.
With NCR air quality under perennial scrutiny and winter smog season approaching in the coming months, the pace and rigour of enforcement actions by the CAQM will be closely watched by both regulators and residents alike.
Point of View
802 Closure Directions against 27,750 inspections tells a similar story: enforcement is active, but the pipeline of violators keeps refilling. The DG set problem is particularly telling — 24 violations in a single fortnight points to lax self-regulation among commercial and industrial users who treat diesel backup power as outside the pollution compliance framework. With winter and the associated smog emergency still months away, the real test is whether these proposed closures and EC penalties translate into durable behavioural change, or whether the same units resurface in the 135th ETF report.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did CAQM flying squads find during NCR inspections in June 2025?
CAQM flying squads detected 62 pollution control violations during 173 inspections conducted between 14 June and 30 June 2025 across the NCR. Violations were recorded at construction and demolition sites, industrial units, and diesel generator set locations.
What enforcement actions has CAQM proposed following these violations?
The CAQM has proposed closure of four units or projects, sealing of 27 DG sets, issuance of six compliance directions, and imposition of Environmental Compensation in 17 cases. These proposals are based on inspection reports reviewed at the 134th ETF meeting.
Which states received Resumption Orders for C&D sites?
Seven Resumption Orders for construction and demolition sites were issued after compliance verification — two in Uttar Pradesh and five in Haryana. These orders allow previously closed sites to resume operations once they meet pollution norms.
What is the cumulative enforcement record of CAQM flying squads?
As of 7 July 2025, CAQM flying squads have inspected 27,750 units, projects, and entities. A total of 1,802 Closure Directions have been issued, with 1,424 Resumption Orders granted upon verified compliance.
What happens to cases referred to State Pollution Control Boards?
Cases transferred to State Pollution Control Boards or the Delhi Pollution Control Committee are reviewed for a final regulatory decision, which may include further penalties or permanent closure. Currently, 123 such cases are pending a final decision with these bodies.
