CAQM issues Guideline for Resumption of Operations in Closed Units; lays down actions / documents required for consideration of resumption of entities against which closure directions have been issued by CAQM

The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (“CAQM”) has issued a Guideline for Resumption of Operations in Closed Units (“Guideline”) with effect from 1^st September 2026. The Guidelines lay down the actions / documents required for consideration of resumption of entities against which closure directions have been issued by CAQM.

Key Highlights:

1. If a unit falling within the purview of an industrial sector was found operating in gross violation of the Directions of the Commission, an Undertaking in the form of an Affidavit is required to be submitted stating that corrective and preventive measures have been taken, and that the Directions and statutes will be complied with in the future ,along with supporting documents / actions confirming that the violations have been resolved / rectified, wherever required.

• For units found operating without valid Consent to Establish (“CTE”) and/or Consent to Operate (“CTO”), an undertaking in the form of an Affidavit is required to be submitted stating that corrective and preventive measures have been taken, and that the Directions and statutes will be complied with in the future, along with a copy of valid CTE and/or CTO issued by the concerned State Pollution Control Board/ Delhi Pollution Control Committee.

• For Units with heavy visible emissions (source/fugitive)/ violating consent conditions/ non-operation of Air Pollution Control Device, an Undertaking in the form of an Affidavit is required to be submitted stating that corrective and preventive measures have been taken, and that the Directions and statutes will be complied with in the future ,along with supporting documents / actions confirming that the violations have been resolved / rectified, wherever required.

• Construction and Demolition (“C&D”) Projects –

• If C&D related activities were going on at the site in violation of Commission’s directions and other relevant rules and regulations, an Undertaking in the form of Affidavit is required to be submitted stating that corrective and preventive measures have been taken, and that the Directions and statutes will be complied with in the future ,along with supporting documents / actions confirming that the violations have been resolved / rectified, wherever required.

• If C&D related activities were going on at the site in violation of Commission’s directions and other relevant rules and regulations and units were also found operating DG sets in violation of CAQM directions, an Undertaking in the form of an Affidavit is required to be submitted stating that corrective and preventive measures have been taken, and that the Directions and statutes will be complied with in the future ,along with supporting documents / actions confirming that the violations have been resolved / rectified, wherever required.

• If commercial units are found using DG sets in violation of CAQM directions (excluding industrial sector and C&D projects), an Undertaking in the form of an Affidavit is required to be submitted stating that corrective and preventive measures have been taken, and that the Directions and statutes will be complied with in the future ,along with supporting documents / actions confirming that the violations have been resolved / rectified, wherever required.

Source: Commission for Air Quality Management