Air Quality Management in NCR Shows Improvement Through Inspections and Restrictions

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is actively working to improve air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR). Over recent weeks, the agency has conducted numerous inspections and implemented various measures to reduce pollution. Between January 20 and February 4, 2026, CAQM carried out 739 inspections. These focused on different sources of pollution, such as industries, road dust, construction activities, diesel generator sets, and the burning of municipal solid waste and biomass. As a result, the authority proposed closing 21 units, sealed 53 diesel generator units, issued show-cause notices to 2 units, and placed 63 reports under examination. Special drives were also conducted to check how well dust control measures are working. For example, attention was given to Greater Noida and Gurugram, where authorities checked the effectiveness of mechanical sweeping, water sprinkling, and other dust suppression methods. Air quality levels directly influence these actions. When air quality crosses certain thresholds, restrictions are imposed to help reduce pollution. One example is the decision made on January 18, 2026, when CAQM enforced Stage Four of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire NCR. This was because Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 400, which is considered a very poor level. Under Stage Four restrictions, many activities were limited. For example, the entry of BS-IV trucks into Delhi was banned, except for vehicles transporting essential commodities or providing essential services. The aim is to reduce vehicle emissions that can worsen air quality. Soon after, on January 22, 2026, the CAQM eased some restrictions. As the AQI improved to 322, Stage-III of the GRAP was revoked across Delhi-NCR. However, restrictions under Stages I and II remained in place, continuing to manage pollution levels. Earlier, there have also been instances where restrictions were lifted after improvements in air quality. For example, on December 24, 2025, the CAQM revoked Stage-IV restrictions because Delhi's AQI had improved to 271. Similarly, on January 5, 2025, Stage-III restrictions were revoked due to favorable weather conditions and continuous rains that helped clear the air. Despite these relaxations, the agency has also had to reimpose restrictions when pollution worsened. On November 14, 2024, Stage-III was invoked again in Delhi-NCR to prevent further air quality deterioration. Measures included increased mechanized sweeping of roads and banning certain construction activities to restrict dust pollution. The CAQM also monitors roadside dust levels through inspections. On January 14, 2026, 127 road stretches in Faridabad were inspected. Results showed that 17 stretches had high dust levels, 25 had moderate levels, 66 had low levels, and 19 had no visible dust. Similarly, on January 6, 2026, inspections in Noida covered 142 road stretches, with only a few having high or moderate visible dust, indicating a generally successful effort to control dust. Furthermore, a broader inspection drive took place on December 27, 2025, across the NCR, focusing on how well municipal agencies like the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram conduct road-cleaning and sweeping activities. These inspections are part of ongoing efforts to improve air quality through better waste and dust management. The overall goal of these actions is to make the air safer for residents. Monitoring, restrictions, and inspections form a comprehensive approach to controlling pollution levels. As air quality improves, restrictions are gradually eased, but the authority remains vigilant in responding to rising pollution levels. This ongoing work highlights the importance of coordinated efforts to manage air quality in the NCR. The CAQM is continuously adjusting measures based on real-time air quality data and inspection findings, ensuring that pollution levels are kept in check while supporting sustainable urban development.