The Commission for Air Quality Management conducted a night inspection drive in North Delhi under Operation Clean Air to assess on ground compliance related to prevention of municipal solid waste and biomass burning and to identify localised sources of air pollution during peak winter conditions.
The inspection was carried out on the night of 14 January 2026 by CAQM flying squad teams across the Jahangir Puri Shalimar Bagh and Wazirpur areas. The exercise was supported by geo tagged and time stamped photographic evidence and culminated in a detailed field inspection report submitted to the Commission.
The inspection recorded a total of 65 violations across the three locations. Jahangir Puri accounted for 20 incidents Shalimar Bagh for 17 and Wazirpur for 28. Of these 47 cases involved biomass or municipal solid waste burning while 18 cases related to illegal dumping of municipal waste.
Area wise findings show that Jahangir Puri reported 12 instances of waste or biomass burning and eight cases of waste dumping. Shalimar Bagh recorded 14 burning incidents and three dumping violations. Wazirpur emerged as the most affected with 21 cases of biomass or waste burning and seven instances of waste dumping.
Field observations revealed that biomass burning was largely taking place along roadsides near tea stalls shops and open spaces mainly for heating during night hours. Waste dumping and accumulation were identified at roadside locations near markets industrial pockets parks and other garbage vulnerable points contributing to localised pollution build up.
The findings underline the need for heightened vigilance during evening and night hours particularly in densely populated residential areas and industrial zones. Localised waste burning and dumping continue to be significant contributors to deteriorating air quality during the winter season and require sustained preventive and enforcement action.
The Commission stressed the importance of strict enforcement of Solid Waste Management Rules strengthening of waste collection and lifting systems timely clearance of accumulated waste and enhanced night time monitoring to discourage biomass burning for heating.
Concerned local bodies and agencies including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and other land owning authorities have been advised to take immediate corrective measures and ensure close inter agency coordination to prevent recurrence of such violations.
CAQM reiterated that inspection and enforcement actions under Operation Clean Air will continue on a regular basis across Delhi NCR with focused efforts to identify and eliminate localised pollution sources. The Commission is working closely with all concerned agencies to ensure strict compliance with statutory directions effective implementation of GRAP measures and sustained improvement in regional air quality.
