Delhi-NCR AQI: Centre take strict action against highly polluting industries, orders to install emission monitors by…, or risk…

As air quality in Delhi-NCR continues to remain hazardous, the Centre on Wednesday told authorities to take strict action against highly polluting industries that fail to install real-time emission monitoring systems and pollution-control equipment by December 31. The central government also asked all Delhi-NCR states to finish preparing their air pollution control plans for 2026 before the end of this month. These instructions were issued during a review meeting chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Chairperson Vir Vikram Yadav, around 2,254 major polluting units in Delhi-NCR still have not set up and linked their Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) to the CPCB server.

He warned that strict steps including shutting down non-compliant units will be taken against industries that miss the December 31 deadline.

He added that all medium and large red-category industries in Delhi-NCR, especially those involved in food processing, textiles and metal processing, must install OCEMS to track emissions, stack gases and other industrial activities in real time.

Industries have also been asked to fit proper air pollution control equipment by December 31. If they fail to do so, strict action will be taken, he warned.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) chairperson Rajesh Verma said Punjab and Haryana have been instructed to prepare their plans this year itself to reduce stubble burning during the next paddy harvest season. A meeting on this will soon be held in Chandigarh, he added.

Verma also said that CAQM will form a special expert panel to address pollution caused by vehicles.

He noted that 62 pollution hotspots linked to traffic congestion have been found in Delhi. Agencies such as the traffic police and the public works department have been told to take immediate steps. Authorities in neighbouring cities around Delhi have been directed to act as well.

Delhi Air Quality on Wednesday

Delhi’s air continued to remain in the “very poor” range on Wednesday, 3 December, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). This is the second day in a row that the city’s air has stayed in this unhealthy category. Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 335 on Wednesday.

A dense layer of smog covered many parts of the city in the morning, including areas near India(BHARAT) Gate and Kartavya Path, where the AQI touched 356.

Several other monitoring stations also reported worrying levels — Alipur recorded 366, Aya Nagar 360, Burari 396, Dhaula Kuan 303, and Dwarka 377 — all falling in the “very poor” bracket.