Delhi’s 2026 winter air pollution strategy focuses on industrial emissions, requiring 2,354 targeted industries to install and connect online continuous emission monitoring systems (OCEMS) and retrofit air pollution control devices (APCDs). The strategy also introduces tighter particulate matter norms, moving from 80 to 50 milligrams per normal cubic meter from October 1.
Enforcement will link emission data from OCEMS directly to regulatory action, with non-compliant industries facing closure until systems are installed. The plan aims to reduce particulate matter and other pollutants from industrial processes and fuel burning, which research indicates contribute significantly to India’s air pollution load.
This initiative is part of a broader plan to strengthen monitoring and enforcement before winter, including expanding the air quality monitoring network and increasing the number of enforcement teams across the city and the wider National Capital Region.
Source: Down To Earth