CAQM Takes Serious Note of HSPCB Non-Compliance, Seeks Explanation Over Failure to Ensure Effective C&D Site Monitoring.
Commission directs Haryana Pollution Control Board to strengthen enforcement, restore functional web-camera monitoring and take action against non-compliant construction sites.
New Delhi:
The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has taken serious note of continued non-compliance by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) with its statutory directions concerning monitoring of construction and demolition (C&D) projects in Haryana.
A review meeting was held on September 8, 2026, under the chairmanship of Rajesh Verma, Chairperson, CAQM, with HSPCB to review compliance with the Commission’s directions. These directions require registration of all C&D projects having a plot area of 500 square metres or more and installation of functional video-monitoring systems on the State/GNCTD web portal to enable remote monitoring of dust-mitigation measures.
Widespread deficiencies found in remote monitoring system
CAQM has been conducting sample-based remote monitoring of C&D sites through the HSPCB web portal since 2024. During repeated monitoring exercises, the Commission has identified several deficiencies in the system.
These include incomplete or insufficient web-camera links, incorrect user IDs and passwords, links requiring installation of mobile applications, non-functional web links and cameras remaining offline even after successful login.
According to CAQM, these shortcomings have been communicated to HSPCB from time to time, with directions to undertake necessary corrective measures.
Most C&D sites found without functional camera links
During a remote monitoring exercise conducted through the HSPCB portal between June 19 and June 22, 2026, serious gaps were again detected.
CAQM found that out of the active C&D sites registered in five major districts and areas, the web-camera links at most sites were non-functional. The details were:
– Panipat: 213 active C&D sites
– Sonipat: 457 active C&D sites
– Faridabad: 168 active C&D sites, with functional links available at only 4 sites
– Gurugram (North): 691 active C&D sites, with functional links available at only 6 sites
– Gurugram (South): 484 active C&D sites, with functional links available at only 5 sites
The findings were communicated to HSPCB on July 8, 2026, for necessary action.
Dedicated monitoring team not deployed
CAQM had earlier advised HSPCB to deploy a dedicated team for effective remote monitoring of C&D projects through the web portal. However, according to the Commission, neither was such a dedicated team deployed nor was any substantial improvement observed in the functioning of the monitoring system.
The Commission observed that the widespread failure of web-camera links had effectively defeated the purpose of the online monitoring portal, particularly in verifying whether dust-control measures were actually being implemented at construction and demolition sites.
CAQM treats continued non-compliance seriously
Taking serious note of the continued deficiencies and non-compliance, CAQM has treated the matter as willful non-compliance by the designated authority responsible for enforcing the Commission’s statutory directions.
HSPCB was called for the review meeting and asked to furnish the requisite information, a detailed response and a report concerning the notices issued to it, including the complete status of compliance.
During the meeting, HSPCB apprised the Commission of the compliance status and the steps undertaken towards implementing CAQM’s statutory directions.
Directions to strengthen enforcement and close non-compliant sites
Following the review, CAQM directed HSPCB to ensure strict compliance with all orders and statutory directions issued by the Commission.
The Board was also instructed to undertake necessary corrective measures, including closure of non-compliant C&D sites, wherever required, to ensure effective and uninterrupted remote monitoring.
The concerned authorities were further directed to strengthen their monitoring and enforcement mechanisms so that prescribed dust-mitigation measures are implemented effectively at C&D sites.
Focus on air pollution control in NCR
CAQM reiterated that effective implementation of its statutory directions by the concerned agencies is critical for the prevention and abatement of air pollution in the National Capital Region.
The Commission emphasised that all concerned agencies must comply with its orders and statutory directions in letter and spirit and strengthen monitoring and enforcement systems to ensure effective implementation on the ground.
CAQM said it will continue to closely monitor compliance by the concerned authorities and take necessary measures to ensure effective mitigation of air pollution across the NCR.
