The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) carried out a night-time inspection drive in North Delhi on January 14, 2026, under its ‘Operation Clean Air’ initiative to review ground-level compliance with measures aimed at preventing municipal solid waste (MSW) and biomass burning and dumping, and to identify local sources of air pollution, reported PIB.
CAQM flying squad teams inspected the areas of Jahangir Puri, Shalimar Bagh and Wazirpur. Observations from the field visits, supported by geo-tagged and time-stamped photographs, were compiled into a detailed inspection report submitted to the Commission.
According to the report, a total of 65 incidents were recorded across the three locations — 20 in Jahangir Puri, 17 in Shalimar Bagh and 28 in Wazirpur. These included 47 cases of biomass or MSW burning, comprising 12 in Jahangir Puri, 14 in Shalimar Bagh and 21 in Wazirpur, as well as 18 instances of MSW dumping, with eight reported in Jahangir Puri, three in Shalimar Bagh and seven in Wazirpur.
The inspection found that biomass burning was largely taking place along roadsides, near tea stalls, shops and in open spaces, primarily for heating during night hours. Instances of MSW dumping and accumulation were observed at roadside locations, near markets, industrial areas, parks and other garbage-prone points.
The findings underline the need for increased vigilance during evening and night hours, especially in densely populated residential areas and industrial zones. Localised problems such as waste dumping and burning continue to be major contributors to air pollution during the winter season, calling for sustained preventive and enforcement action.
The Commission stressed the importance of strict implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, strengthening waste collection and lifting systems, ensuring timely removal of waste and enhancing night-time monitoring to discourage biomass burning for heating.
Concerned local bodies and agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other land-owning authorities, have been directed to take immediate corrective steps and maintain close coordination to prevent recurrence of such violations.
CAQM reiterated that inspection and enforcement activities under ‘Operation Clean Air’ will continue on a regular basis across the Delhi-NCR region, with a focus on identifying and eliminating local pollution sources. The Commission said it is working closely with all relevant agencies to ensure compliance with statutory directions, effective implementation of GRAP measures and reduction of air pollution across the region.
