Air Quality Management: Recent Actions and Enforcement Efforts in NCR

The Commission for Air Quality Management has been actively working to improve air quality in the National Capital Region. The agency has conducted multiple inspections and taken enforcement actions to reduce pollution. These efforts are part of ongoing measures to ensure compliance with pollution control rules and protect public health. A key event was the 124th Enforcement Task Force meeting held on January 21, 2026. During this meeting, the commission reviewed various enforcement actions taken across the NCR. The focus has been on checking industries, diesel generator sets, construction activities, road dust, biomass burning, and waste management. Between January 7 and January 19, 2026, the Commission's Flying Squads conducted extensive inspections in different sectors. Their inspections aimed to identify units that were not following pollution rules or operating with faulty equipment. They uncovered several violations during this period. One notable action occurred on January 9, 2026, when the CAQM ordered the closure of 16 industrial units in the NCR. The units were shut down because they were operating without necessary permits or had malfunctioning pollution control devices. These violations pose serious risks to air quality and public health. The Commission's efforts are part of a broader strategy to enforce existing laws and encourage industries and other sectors to adopt cleaner practices. The reviews and inspections are ongoing, reflecting the importance of strict enforcement to control air pollution. Back in October 2025, the CAQM analyzed enforcement actions taken by state governments in the NCR and Punjab. This review aimed to evaluate how well policies to reduce air pollution are being implemented across the region. The agency has been consistent in its efforts. In November 2024, it conducted a comprehensive review of enforcement actions during the Graded Response Action Plan period. These reviews are important to track progress and identify areas needing more attention. From January to May 2023, CAQM's Flying Squads carried out a large number of surprise inspections—2,901 in total. These inspections led to the closure order of 147 units that were grossly violating pollution rules. This shows the agency’s active role in cracking down on illegal or non-compliant industries. As of February 2026, there is no information indicating any new reviews or enforcement actions beyond those already reported. The agency continues to monitor and enforce regulations to ensure compliance in the future. The efforts by the CAQM highlight the importance of strictly enforcing air quality rules. Regular inspections, closure orders, and reviews are critical tools in the fight against air pollution. These actions aim to make the region safer for residents and help protect the environment. Overall, the ongoing enforcement activities demonstrate a serious commitment to addressing air pollution issues in the NCR. By identifying violations and taking corrective actions, the CAQM works to improve air quality and ensure responsible behavior from industries and other polluters.