To address the pressing issue of air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Sub-Committee on Safeguarding & Enforcement of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) organized a crucial meeting on November 20, 2024. The session aimed to monitor and strengthen enforcement actions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) currently in force. Representatives from NCR State Governments, the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), and Punjab participated, discussing sector-specific measures to mitigate pollution.
The Commission issued a series of directives to enhance enforcement. Punjab and Haryana were instructed to address discrepancies between Environmental Compensation (EC) cases and First Information Reports (FIRs) filed under Section 223 of the BNS, 2023. Additionally, the gap between imposed and realized EC amounts was flagged for urgent resolution. CAQM also highlighted the need to revise inspection protocols for fire incidents, mandating verification within 24 hours instead of the previous 48-hour window.
All NCR states were urged to rigorously enforce GRAP guidelines, particularly in identified pollution hotspots across Delhi. Construction and demolition activities must cease where required, and intensified inspections are to target violators. Authorities were directed to launch a special drive to confiscate end-of-life vehicles and ensure compliance with Pollution Under Control (PUC) norms. The auditing of PUC centres and stricter checks on non-permitted vehicles at Delhi’s entry points were also highlighted as priorities.
Efforts were made to manage road congestion and remove inspection-related barricades quickly, along with increasing the use of mechanized road sweeping machines. Haryana and Punjab were specifically assigned to accelerate measures to prevent paddy stubble burning. In this context, both states committed to implementing in-situ and ex-situ solutions to reduce fire incidents.
The Commission also stressed the resolution of citizen complaints lodged on apps and social media platforms, calling for time-bound responses monitored by CAQM. Daily reporting of GRAP-related actions is now mandatory for all NCR states.
Officials were warned that any negligence in enforcement could lead to accountability under the CAQM Act.
