The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) undertook a major inspection operation in Sonipat, Haryana on 21.11.2025. The inspection operation was a part of the Commission’s ongoing enforcement drive to ensure nstrict compliance to the Statutory Directions and prescribed environmental norms in the National Capital Region (NCR). A total of 20 Flying Squad teams of the Commission were deployed for the operation.

The enforcement action was conducted in both conforming and non-conforming industrial areas of the District. The inspection was led by the District administration, including Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Duty Magistrates, and Police personnel were also present during the inspection to support and facilitate smooth operations. The inspection areas were allocated to the Flying Squads by the District Administration.

A total of 101 inspections were carried out, including 06 Construction & Demolition (C&D) sites and rest were industrial areas. As per preliminary assessment, 29 units have been found to be in violation, including 05 C&D sites.

In the non-conforming areas, 55 inspections were conducted and 21 violations detected (including 2 C&D sites). In conforming industrial areas, 46 inspections were conducted and 8 violations were recorded (including 3 C&D sites).

The major violations observed during the drive included:

• Use of unapproved fuel;
• Absence/ malfunctioning of Air Pollution Control Devices (APCDs) – around 20 units were found with malfunctioning systems;
• Operating without valid Consent to Operate (CTO) from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
• Violation of prescribed C&D norms

The Commission stated that stringent inspections are essential to curb non-compliance, reduce emissions at source, and provide relief to citizens residing near such non-compliant polluting entities. These enforcement efforts are aimed at ensuring that industries and C&D sites follow the prescribed norms and do not contribute to air pollution in the region.

This inspection operation in Sonipat is part of the larger enforcement initiative of CAQM to intensify on-ground monitoring, particularly during the GRAP period, in close coordination with State Governments, District Authorities and concerned agencies in the region.

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VM/SK

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