New Delhi – The Commission for Air Quality Management conducted a comprehensive inspection on Monday in the New Delhi Municipal Council area of Delhi under Operation Clean Air, officials announced on Wednesday. This significant enforcement drive represents the commission’s intensified efforts to combat air pollution at its source by identifying and addressing localized contributors to deteriorating air quality in the national capital region. The inspection deployed multiple teams across strategic locations to assess compliance with environmental regulations.
Extensive Deployment of Flying Squads
Operation Clean Air involved the deployment of 11 CAQM flying squads that conducted thorough inspections across major NDMC jurisdictions. The inspection was specifically undertaken to assess on-ground compliance related to prevention of dumping and burning of municipal solid waste and biomass. Officials emphasized that the focus remained on identifying localized sources contributing to air pollution in the region, targeting areas where violations commonly occur and impact air quality most significantly.
Strategic Coverage Across NDMC Jurisdictions
The scope of Operation Clean Air encompassed major strategic locations across the NDMC area, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the enforcement drive. According to officials, the inspection was conducted across prominent areas including Chanakyapuri, Sarojini Nagar, Connaught Place, Janpath, Parliament Street, Ashoka Road, Pragati Maidan, and India Gate, among other significant locations. This wide geographical coverage ensured that both commercial and residential areas received equal scrutiny during the inspection process.
Alarming Findings Across Multiple Sites
Operation Clean Air revealed concerning violations across the inspected areas. A total of 54 inspections were conducted across the NDMC area, uncovering significant non-compliance with environmental norms. Biomass and municipal solid waste burning instances were observed at 18 locations, while MSW dumping was reported at a troubling 35 locations. These findings highlighted the persistent challenges authorities face in enforcing waste management and pollution control regulations in the capital.
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Biomass Burning Patterns Identified
During Operation Clean Air, investigators noted specific patterns regarding biomass burning violations. The commission stated that biomass burning was primarily noticed near tea stalls and shops, largely for heating purposes during the cold winter months. This practice, while providing warmth to vendors and shopkeepers, contributes significantly to local air pollution levels. The localized nature of these violations makes them particularly challenging to monitor and prevent without consistent enforcement presence.
Waste Dumping Creates Fire Hazards
Operation Clean Air inspections revealed that MSW dumping posed serious environmental risks beyond immediate pollution concerns. Waste dumping was found at roadside locations, near collection points, and in secluded public spaces throughout the NDMC area. Officials emphasized that these dumping sites “may potentially lead to open burning if not promptly cleared,” creating a cascading pollution problem. The accumulation of waste in public spaces not only degrades the urban environment but also creates conditions conducive to spontaneous or intentional burning.
Evidence Collection and Documentation
Throughout Operation Clean Air, enforcement teams maintained rigorous documentation standards to ensure accountability. Geo-tagged and time-stamped photographic evidence were collected during all inspections, providing irrefutable proof of violations. This evidence was consolidated into a comprehensive inspection report submitted to the commission, creating an official record that can support enforcement actions and track compliance improvements over time. The technological approach to evidence collection represents a modernization of environmental enforcement practices.
Commission’s Recommendations for Improvement
Following Operation Clean Air findings, CAQM stressed the critical importance of strengthening waste collection and lifting mechanisms across the NDMC area. The commission specifically highlighted the need for effective evening-shift operations, timely lifting of dumped waste, and strict adherence to the Solid Waste Management Rules to prevent recurrence of such issues. These recommendations acknowledge that sustained compliance requires systematic improvements to waste management infrastructure and operations rather than episodic enforcement alone.
Broader NCR Enforcement Review
Beyond Operation Clean Air in Delhi, the enforcement task force of CAQM held a meeting on Wednesday to review inspection and enforcement activities across the entire National Capital Region. The review covered the period between December 22, 2025, and January 1, 2026, providing a comprehensive assessment of regional compliance. “Based on the findings, major violations and non-compliances were identified, and necessary corrective actions including issuance of closure directions is being done,” an official stated.
Road Dust Assessment Results
Parallel to Operation Clean Air initiatives, the commission conducted extensive assessments of road dust levels across NCR jurisdictions. A total of 400 road stretches under various local authorities including the Delhi Development Authority, Public Works Department, Municipal Corporation of Gurugram, and NOIDA authority were inspected for intensity of visible dust. The comprehensive survey found 47 stretches with high dust levels, 105 with medium dust levels, 151 with low dust levels, while 97 stretches were found with no visible dust.
Implications for Air Quality Management
The findings from Operation Clean Air underscore the multifaceted nature of Delhi’s air pollution challenge. The identification of 18 biomass burning sites and 35 waste dumping locations within the relatively well-maintained NDMC area suggests that similar or worse conditions likely exist in other municipal jurisdictions. The commission’s proactive enforcement approach, combined with systematic documentation and comprehensive recommendations, represents a crucial step toward addressing localized pollution sources that collectively contribute to Delhi’s air quality crisis. However, sustained improvement will require not only continued enforcement but also infrastructure investments and behavioral changes among residents and businesses throughout the region.
