The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered industries in the National Capital Region to expand camera surveillance of fuel use by October 31, 2026.

The order mandates additional Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras at industrial units for real-time monitoring of fuel consumption and compliance. Cameras must cover all fuel storage areas and fuel charging points.

For gas-based fuel, the cameras must capture the gas gauge or meter. Units must also ensure adequate power backup and connectivity for the cameras.

Real-time video feeds must stream to the Central Pollution Control Board and the state pollution control boards, which must build portals to receive them. Implementation status must be reported by November 1.

The move follows inspections by CAQM flying squads, which found persistent use of unapproved fuels by industries despite a standard list of approved fuels. Industrial emissions worsen NCR air quality, especially in winter.

The order builds on an earlier CPCB directive for PTZ cameras with real-time emission monitoring systems. CAQM's flying squads have carried out over 24,000 inspections, and 1,556 non-compliant units have been ordered shut.