Delhi Pollution Crisis: Govt Launches Sealing Drive Against Polluting Factories

New Delhi, Dec 22 : The Delhi government on Monday launched a stringent enforcement drive to curb rising air pollution, announcing that all polluting and unauthorised factories in the national capital will be sealed without prior notice.

Addressing a press conference, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the action is being carried out jointly by Deputy Commissioners of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). He warned that the government would take zero-tolerance action against industries found violating pollution norms.

“From today, all unauthorised and polluting industries will be shut down. MCD Deputy Commissioners, along with the DPCC, have initiated a sealing drive, and there will be no leniency,” Sirsa said.

GRAP-IV enforced, work-from-home compliance under scanner

The minister said the crackdown coincides with the enforcement of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as Delhi continues to battle severe air pollution. Measures under GRAP-IV include restrictions on vehicular movement and advisories for work-from-home (WFH) to reduce emissions.

Sirsa warned private companies against violating WFH norms. “We have received information that some private firms are not fully complying with work-from-home guidelines. They are being urged to strictly follow the norms, failing which action will be taken if complaints are received,” he said.

‘No PUC, No Fuel’ drive intensified

Highlighting efforts to control vehicular pollution, the minister said over two lakh vehicles have obtained Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) since the launch of the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ campaign. However, nearly 10,000 vehicles failed the emission test, pointing to widespread non-compliance.

Sirsa said the government will continue strict enforcement measures to improve air quality and ensure adherence to pollution control norms across sectors.