CAQM intensifies air pollution enforcement and drone monitoring

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is intensifying efforts to combat air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas. Between August 24 and September 7, the Commission’s Enforcement Task Force conducted 150 inspections, focusing on the industrial sector, construction and demolition sites, and diesel generator sets.

To date, the Commission’s flying squads have inspected 28,547 entities across the NCR, resulting in 1,829 closure directions. Of these, 1,479 have been lifted following compliance verification. The CAQM has emphasized the need for strict monitoring and coordination among agencies to mitigate pollution.

In Punjab, authorities are preparing to deploy drones to monitor paddy stubble burning in real time. This initiative follows CAQM directives to strengthen detection ahead of the winter season. The use of drones aims to address a gap in satellite surveillance, as farmers have reportedly used late-evening burning to evade satellite passes. While satellite data often carries a one-day lag, drones will allow for immediate detection in identified hotspots.