CAQM extends Monitoring and Enforcement of Dust Mitigation measures across NCR; More ULBs empowered to Prosecute Gross Violators at C&D Sites

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR (CAQM) issued an amendment (dated 03‑08‑2026) to Statutory Direction No. 86, widening enforcement of dust‑mitigation measures at construction and demolition (C&D) sites of less than 500 sqm across the National Capital Region. The amendment extends powers to initiate prosecution against gross violators to additional municipal corporations, development authorities, municipal councils, municipal boards and urban local bodies, including Manesar, Karnal, Panipat, Rohtak, Meerut, Alwar, Bharatpur, Bhiwadi and Neemrana. It also mandates monthly status reports on complaints and prosecutions, complementing existing reporting. In Q1 2026, 16,195 inspections were carried out in Delhi, 909 in Haryana (NCR), 230 in Uttar Pradesh (NCR) and 160 in Rajasthan (NCR).