CAQM flying squads detect 87 violations of air pollution norms in NCR
New Delhi, June 6
The fly squads of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas detected 87 violations of air pollution control norms between May 11 and May 29, said a statement on Saturday.
These 87 violations included 21 from C&D sites, 25 from the industrial sector, and 41 relating to DG sets, it said.
The details of the violations were shared at the 132nd meeting of the Enforcement Task Force (ETF) of the CAQM held on Friday to review enforcement actions, inspections, and compliance status across the National Capital Region (NCR).
During the reporting period of 19 days, the Flying Squads of CAQM conducted a total of 245 inspections -- 31 inspections across Construction & Demolition (C&D) sites, 74 inspections in the industrial sector, and 140 inspections related to Diesel Generator (DG) sets, it said.
Based on the inspection reports, the proposal includes closure of 11 units/projects, sealing of 33 DG sets, issuance of 19 directions/orders for compliance, and imposition of Environmental Compensation (EC) in 13 cases, said the statement.
The Enforcement Task Force also reviewed actions taken at the 131st ETF meeting and noted that all actionable cases in the industrial and C&D sectors have been addressed.
A total of 18 resumption orders have been issued after verification of compliance, including 13 for industrial units and 5 for C&D sites across NCR. State-wise, nine resumption orders were issued in Uttar Pradesh, seven in Haryana, and two in Rajasthan.
The ETF reviewed the issue of road dust mitigation and noted inspections conducted by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) on May 18.
During these inspections, nine areas were covered, and 37 violations were reported. Notices have been issued to GNIDA for repetitive violations relating to dust mitigation norms, timely cleaning and sweeping operations, and other related issues.
The Task Force further reviewed inspections conducted by the Municipal Corporation of Ghaziabad on May 26, covering four areas, during which 24 violations were reported. A Show Cause Notice (SCN) has been issued to the Municipal Corporation of Ghaziabad for repetitive violations.
The Commission emphasised the need for the timely submission of inspection reports by Flying Squad teams along with photographic and videographic evidence. Directions were reiterated for strict verification of compliance by industrial units, adherence to prescribed norms for operation of DG sets, compliance with stipulated norms at C&D sites, and prompt enforcement action against violators.
The updated cumulative enforcement status as of Friday was also reviewed. It was noted that a total of 27,378 units/projects/entities have been inspected so far by the Flying Squads of the Commission, the statement said.
Based on these inspections, 1,788 Closure Directions have been issued, out of which 1,401 Resumption Orders have been issued upon verification of compliance. Further, 123 cases have been transferred to the respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) for final decision, while 264 entities remain under examination for issuance of resumption orders.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative but where is the follow-up? They issued closure notices to 1,788 units but only 1,401 resumption orders after compliance. That means nearly 400 units are still shut or under examination. What about the workers who lost jobs? Need a balanced approach - enforce but also help businesses comply with affordable green tech.
Waiting for the day when we can breathe freely in Delhi. These CAQM reports come and go, but the AQI still touches 400+ every November. The problem is systemic - stubble burning, construction dust, vehicle emissions, and now these DG sets. It's not just about inspections; we need long-term solutions like better public transport and green corridors.
Noticed the violations are mostly in UP and Haryana NCR areas. That tells you about enforcement culture there. Even the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation got a show cause notice! Poor civic bodies are overwhelmed. We need more central coordination and maybe rewards for compliant cities, not just punishments. Incentives work better sometimes.
As a Noida resident, I see these DG sets running all the time during power cuts. Why can't they mandate solar backup? The government talks about green energy but gives relaxation on DG sets. Also, those 41 DG set violations - that's a lot! Every time there's a wedding or function, they run generators without care. Fine them heavily!
I appreciate the work, but 245 inspections for a 19-day period across entire NCR? Thats only about 13 per day for a region of 50,
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