Pursuant to directions of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), a special joint inspection drive was conducted on January 8, 2026 in the Cantonment Board (CB) area of Naraina, Delhi, in response to complaints raised by members of the All Naraina Residents Welfare Samati regarding the operation of polluting industrial units in residential premises.
The inspection was carried out jointly by the Flying Squads of CAQM, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Delhi Cantonment Board, with the objective of verifying compliance with prevailing environmental norms and land-use regulations.
21 Units Inspected Across Naraina Cantonment Area
During the inspection drive, all locations mentioned in the complaints were visited, and every industrial unit found operational at the time was examined. In total, 21 industrial units were inspected across the CB Area of Naraina.
The findings revealed that:
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19 out of 21 units fall under the category of “Household Industries” as per the provisions of the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD)-2021, but did not possess the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC).
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The remaining two units were not listed under permissible household industries, making their operations non-compliant with land-use norms.
Mandatory NOC Required for Household Industries
As per the Consent Policy of DPCC and in compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, household industries operating in residential areas are required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the High Powered Committee constituted under the chairmanship of the Commissioner of Industries, Government of NCT of Delhi.
However, during the inspection, none of the inspected units were able to produce documentary evidence of having obtained the mandatory NOC from the competent authority.
CAQM Advises Delhi Cantonment Board to Take Necessary Action
In view of these findings, CAQM has formally communicated the matter to the Delhi Cantonment Board, advising it to ensure that industrial units in the CB Area of Naraina are allowed to operate only after obtaining due permissions and statutory clearances, including the requisite NOC.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to:
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Strict enforcement of environmental regulations
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Coordinated action with concerned agencies
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Preventing illegal industrial activities in residential areas
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Strengthening efforts to abate air pollution in the NCR region
Conclusion
The joint inspection drive underscores CAQM’s proactive and responsive approach to public grievances and its zero-tolerance stance on environmental non-compliance. Through coordinated enforcement with local authorities, the Commission continues to prioritise cleaner air and lawful urban development in Delhi and the wider NCR.
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Source: PIB
