CAQM Cracks Down on Waste Burning in NDMC Areas
Flying squads flag 53 violations across Chanakyapuri, Connaught Place and central Delhi zones.
- 11 CAQM flying squads inspected NDMC jurisdictions
- 54 inspections conducted across central Delhi
- 18 cases of biomass burning, 35 cases of waste dumping found
- Action directed to strengthen waste lifting and night monitoring
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Jan: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) carried out an extensive inspection drive in areas under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) as part of its ongoing enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to curb air pollution.
A total of 11 CAQM flying squads conducted 54 inspections across central Delhi on January 5, covering major zones including Chanakyapuri, Sarojini Nagar, Connaught Place, Janpath, Parliament Street, Ashoka Road, Tilak Marg, Khan Market, Lodhi Estate, Pragati Maidan and India Gate.
The inspections revealed 18 instances of biomass and municipal solid waste (MSW) burning and 35 locations where MSW dumping was found. CAQM teams collected geo-tagged and time-stamped photographic evidence and submitted a consolidated report to the Commission for further action.
Biomass burning was largely observed near tea stalls, shops and informal settlements for heating purposes, while waste dumping was found near roadside collection points, garbage vulnerable points and isolated public spaces. Though several areas were found to be clean, the Commission noted that sporadic dumping and burning can still adversely impact air quality, particularly during evening and night hours.
CAQM directed the NDMC to strengthen waste collection and lifting mechanisms, ensure timely clearance of dumped waste, enhance evening-shift operations and strictly enforce Solid Waste Management Rules to prevent recurrence.
The Commission said inspection drives under ‘Operation Clean Air’ will continue across Delhi-NCR to ensure compliance with GRAP measures and to maintain cleaner public spaces.
