CPCB Threatens Closure for NCR Industries Lacking Pollution-Control Devices

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed pollution control authorities in the Delhi-NCR region to take action against industrial units failing to order air pollution control devices (APCDs). This enforcement push arrives ahead of winter pollution measures.

Directive Details

In an October 30 letter reported by sources, the CPCB instructed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and State Pollution Control Boards of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to issue show-cause notices. Non-compliant units failing to show proof of equipment orders within five days face closure orders until compliance with a credible installation timeline is demonstrated.

Context and Air Quality

The directive aligns with restrictions scheduled to start in Delhi under the winter pollution framework. Meanwhile, continuous rainfall helped drop Delhi's average Air Quality Index (AQI) to 60 on October 30, 2026, and around 95 on the morning of October 31, 2026, following mid-week peaks in the "poor" category.

Emission Norms and Compliance

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had prescribed a particulate matter emission limit of 50 mg/Nm³ for 17 categories of highly polluting industries, medium and large red-category industries, food-processing units, textile industries with boilers, and metal industries with furnaces, effective October 1. Previously, compliance faced delays due to procurement issues, high costs, and agency shortages, with only about 200 out of 2,321 identified units complying by July 31.