Following public complaints, the Commission for Air Quality Management recently conducted a special joint inspection of industrial units in the Cantonment Board area of Naraina, Delhi. The inspection was carried out by flying squads of CAQM along with the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the Delhi Cantonment Board to verify compliance with environmental norms and land-use regulations.

A total of 21 industrial units operating in the area were inspected. Of these, 19 units were found to fall under the category of household industries as per the Master Plan for Delhi 2021, but were operating without the mandatory No Objection Certificate. The remaining two units were not permissible under the household industry category.

As per DPCC’s consent policy and directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, household industries operating in residential areas must obtain an NOC from the High Powered Committee chaired by the Commissioner of Industries, Government of NCT of Delhi. None of the inspected units were able to produce documentary proof of having secured the required approval.

Based on the findings, CAQM has advised the Delhi Cantonment Board to take necessary action to ensure that industrial units in the Naraina Cantonment area operate only after obtaining all statutory clearances, including the mandatory NOC. The Commission reiterated its commitment to strict enforcement and coordinated action to curb illegal industrial activity and reduce air pollution in the region.