In a renewed crackdown on Delhi&rsquo;s worsening air quality, the Centre has directed all high-polluting industrial units in the National Capital Region to install Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) and air-purifying equipment by December 31. Officials said 2,254 industries ranging from metals to textiles and food processing&mdash;fall under the high-potential category and will face closure if they fail to comply.
OCEMS devices will feed real-time emission data directly to the Central Pollution Control Board, enabling authorities to track particulate levels and identify violators instantly. While 1,246 units have installed the monitoring systems, the environment ministry said it is also keeping close watch on equipment pricing to prevent artificial market inflation that could delay compliance.
At a high-level review meeting chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, agencies were instructed to finalise annual action plans to curb regional pollution. The session also focused on tackling Delhi&rsquo;s 62 major traffic congestion hotspots, with directives issued for clearing encroachments, removing illegal parking and deploying additional police during peak hours. The Commission for Air Quality Management will soon form an expert panel to address vehicular emissions.
Punjab and Haryana were asked to draft fresh plans to curb stubble burning ahead of the next harvest season. Meanwhile, Delhi&rsquo;s air quality remained in the &ldquo;very poor&rdquo; category, recording an AQI of 342, prompting Opposition MPs to protest in Parliament some wearing gas masks to highlight the severity of the toxic winter air.

Delhi Orders OCEMS in Polluting Industries

High-emission units must install real-time monitors by Dec 31, warns Centre

Delhi Orders OCEMS in Polluting Industries

High-emission units must install real-time monitors by Dec 31, warns Centre

December 4, 2025 | 12:11 IST