CAQM conducts joint special inspection of industrial units in Naraina Cantonment area following public complaints
New Delhi, January 10
Pursuant to directions of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas, a special joint inspection drive was conducted on January 8 in the Cantonment Board Area of Naraina, Delhi, in response to complaints received from members of the All Naraina Residents Welfare Samati regarding the operation of polluting industrial units in residential premises.
According to a release by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the inspection was carried out jointly by Flying Squads of CAQM, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Delhi Cantonment Board, with the objective of verifying compliance with prevailing environmental norms and land-use regulations.
During the inspection drive, all locations mentioned in the complaint were visited, and every industrial unit found operational at the time of inspection was examined. In total, 21 industrial units were inspected across the CB Area of Naraina.
The inspection revealed that 19 out of the 21 units fall under the category of "Household Industries" as per the provisions of the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD)-2021; however, they do not possess the NOC. While the remaining two units were not listed under permissible household industries.
As per the Consent Policy of DPCC and in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court, household industries operating in residential areas are required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the High Powered Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of the Commissioner of Industries, Government of NCT of Delhi.
During the inspection, none of the inspected units were able to produce documentary evidence of having obtained the mandatory NOC from the competent authority, as per the release.
In view of these findings, CAQM has communicated the matter to the Delhi Cantonment Board, advising it to take necessary action to ensure that industrial units in the CB Area, Naraina, are allowed to operate only after obtaining due permissions and Statutory clearances, including the requisite NOC. The Commission reiterates its commitment to strict enforcement of environmental regulations and coordinated action with concerned agencies to prevent illegal industrial activities and to abate air pollution in the region.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a resident nearby, the air quality has been terrible this winter. It's shocking that 21 units were operating without a single NOC. This shows a complete breakdown of the system. The inspection is a good first step, but what about the officials who turned a blind eye for so long?
While enforcement is needed, we must also think about the livelihoods. These are 'household industries' – small workshops run by families. The government should have a clear, fast-track process for them to get NOCs if they follow norms. Just shutting them down without a rehabilitation plan isn't the answer.
Master Plan, Supreme Court orders, NOCs... the rules are all there on paper. The problem is implementation. One joint drive after public pressure is not enough. Need regular, surprise checks across all of Delhi's mixed-use areas. The CAQM must show sustained willpower.
This is a classic Delhi problem – residential and commercial zones all mixed up. The inspection finding 19/21 units could be legal as household industries is interesting. The focus should be on helping them comply with pollution control measures, not just on paperwork.
Good step by CAQM. But let's be honest, the Delhi Cantonment Board has its own rules and often works in a silo. Coordinated action between them, DPCC, and central agencies is rare. Hope this communication leads to actual closure or compliance of these units. Our lungs will thank you! 💨
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