The Centre on Wednesday instructed Delhi-NCR authorities to take strict action against highly polluting industries that do not install real-time emission monitoring systems and pollution control equipment by December 31. It also asked all Delhi-NCR states to complete their 2026 air pollution control plans within this month. These directions were issued during a review meeting chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav. CPCB Chairperson Vir Vikram Yadav said that 2,254 highly polluting industries in Delhi-NCR have still not installed or connected their Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) to the CPCB server. “Strict action, including closure, will be taken against industries that do not meet the December 31 deadline,” he further said.
Air pollution control devices mandatory, non-compliance to invite action
All medium and large red-category units in the food processing, textile, and metal processing sectors in Delhi-NCR are required to install Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) to track emissions, stack gases, and industrial operations in real time, officials said. Industries have also been instructed to set up air pollution control devices by December 31, failing which strict action will be taken.
Rajesh Verma, Chairperson of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), said Punjab and Haryana have been asked to prepare an action plan this year to curb stubble burning during the next paddy harvesting season. A meeting on this will be held soon in Chandigarh.
CAQM to Form Expert Committee on Vehicular Pollution
Verma also announced that the CAQM will form an expert committee to address vehicular pollution. He added that 62 pollution hotspots linked to traffic congestion have been identified in Delhi, and agencies including the traffic police and public works department have been directed to take immediate action. Authorities in cities surrounding Delhi have been asked to implement similar measures.
