Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
CAQM conducts night inspection drive in North Delhi; multiple instances of MSW/biomass burning and waste dumping identified
प्रविष्टि तिथि:
16 JAN 2026 7:23PM by PIB Delhi
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) conducted a night-time inspection drive in North Delhi on 14.01.2026 under ‘Operation Clean Air’ to assess on-ground compliance related to prevention of municipal solid waste (MSW)/biomass burning and dumping, and to identify localized sources of air pollution.
CAQM flying squad teams inspected the Jahangir Puri, Shalimar Bagh and Wazirpur areas of North Delhi. Field inspections supported by geo-tagged and time-stamped photographic evidence were consolidated into a detailed inspection report submitted to the Commission.
As per the report, 65 incidents were recorded across the three areas: 20 in Jahangir Puri, 17 in Shalimar Bagh and 28 in Wazirpur. These included 47 instances of biomass/MSW burning (12 in Jahangir Puri, 14 in Shalimar Bagh and 21 in Wazirpur) and 18 instances of MSW dumping (08 in Jahangir Puri, 03 in Shalimar Bagh and 07 in Wazirpur).
Biomass burning was largely observed along roadsides, near tea stalls, shops and open spaces, mainly for heating during night hours. MSW dumping and accumulation were found at roadside locations, near markets, industrial pockets, parks and garbage-vulnerable points.
The findings highlight the need for enhanced vigilance during evening and night hours, particularly in densely populated residential areas and industrial pockets. Localized issues including waste dumping and burning continue to remain significant contributors to air pollution during the ongoing winter season and require sustained preventive and enforcement measures.
The Commission emphasized the need for strict enforcement of Solid Waste Management Rules, strengthening of waste collection and lifting mechanisms, timely clearance of waste and enhanced night-time monitoring to discourage biomass burning for heating purposes.
Concerned local bodies and agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other land-owning agencies, have been advised to take immediate necessary actions and ensure close coordination to prevent recurrence of such violations.
CAQM reiterated that inspection and enforcement actions under ‘Operation Clean Air’ will continue to be undertaken regularly across Delhi-NCR, with a focused approach on identifying and eliminating localized pollution sources. The Commission is working closely with all concerned agencies in the region to ensure strict compliance with statutory directions, effective implementation of GRAP measures and abatement of air pollution in the region.
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