CAQM reviews enforcement actions across NCR; 245 inspections conducted during May 11-29
New Delhi, June 6
The 132nd meeting of the Enforcement Task Force of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas was held to review enforcement actions, inspections and compliance status across the National Capital Region for the reporting period May 11 to May 29.
According to a press release, during the reporting period of 19 days, the Flying Squads of CAQM conducted a total of 245 inspections, including 31 inspections across Construction & Demolition (C&D) sites, 74 inspections in the industrial sector and 140 inspections related to Diesel Generator (DG) sets.
A total of 87 violations were reported, including 21 from C&D sites, 25 from the industrial sector and 41 relating to DG sets. Based on the inspection reports, 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 have been proposed.
In the meeting held on Friday, the Enforcement Task Force also reviewed actions taken pursuant to the 131st ETF meeting and noted that all actionable cases pertaining to the industrial and C&D sectors have been acted upon. A total of 18 resumption orders have been issued after verification of compliance, including 13 pertaining to industrial units and five related to C&D sites across NCR. State-wise, nine resumption orders were issued in Uttar Pradesh, seven in Haryana and two in Rajasthan.
As per the press release, the ETF reviewed the issue of road dust mitigation and took note of inspections carried out 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 where 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 release said.
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. 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, the release added.
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.
The Commission reiterated the need for strengthened enforcement, timely compliance verification, improved coordination among implementing agencies and strict adherence to stipulated norms for abatement of air pollution across NCR. Continued focus was also laid on strengthening inspections, ensuring accountability and expediting enforcement actions in priority sectors, including industrial emissions, DG sets, C&D activities and road dust management.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good step by CAQM but why only 31 inspections at construction sites? Those are the biggest dust generators in NCR! Also, notice to Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation is long overdue - our roads are always dusty.
I appreciate the effort, but till when will we keep issuing notices? Need real action - heavy fines and jail terms for repeat offenders. Our kids deserve clean air to breathe.
Interesting data, but 1,788 closures vs 1,401 resumptions - that's a 78% reinstatement rate. Are we being too lenient? Need more transparency in these decisions.
Finally some action on DG sets! But rural areas still burn crop waste unchecked. Need to address all sources of pollution simultaneously, not just urban ones.
27,378 total inspections - that's impressive! But we need sustained pressure, not just periodic drives. And the public should have access to real-time compliance data for transparency.
These meetings are good, but I want to see the actual photographs and videos they talk about. Show us the violations! Also, what about stubble burning in Punjab? That's the real villain every winter.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.