Technology-enabled remote surveillance can bridge the enforcement deficit in industrial pollution control. Evaluate this with reference to recent CAQM directions in NCR.

The enforcement deficit is the gap between pollution norms on paper and compliance on the ground. In October 2026 the CAQM used its powers under the CAQM Act, 2021 [4] to order live-streaming Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras in all industries under Direction No. 98 [1]. Surveillance narrows this gap but cannot close it alone.

How surveillance bridges the deficit

• Continuous, not one-off: In Hapur, 16 of 22 units inspected were non-compliant [3]. That shows how much slips past between visits. Cameras watch round the clock.
• Targets the root cause: Flying Squads found units using unapproved fuels. Cameras at fuel-feeding points and gas meters check fuel use [1], which backs the 50 mg/Nm³ PM limit [2].
• Cross-checks OCEMS: CAG found that manual and online sensor readings did not match in Gujarat [5]. Cameras at OCEMS sampling ports make tampering harder [1].
• Less discretion: Remote checks mean fewer physical visits, and so fewer chances for rent-seeking.

Where it falls short

• Data without action: The Order does not say who watches the feeds or how fast they must respond [1]. In Karnataka, CAG found that online data stayed at the SPCB head office while industries kept breaching norms [6].
• Capacity gap: Members told Rajya Sabha that about half of Pollution Control Board posts are vacant. The Centre says filling them is the States' job [7].
• Polluter controls the switch: Units maintain the power backup and report their own "prolonged disruption". The term is undefined and carries no automatic penalty [1].
• Track record and cost: Checks of OCEMS in 865 industries led to recommended notices in 530 cases [9]. MSMEs get roughly six weeks and no support [1].

Way forward

• Send feeds and automated alerts to regional offices and Flying Squads. Check suspicious OCEMS readings against the camera footage.
• Treat a dark feed as a violation that can attract Environmental Compensation.
• States should fill vacancies, and smaller units should get phased timelines.
• Move to airshed-level enforcement, with clean fuel or closure for non-compliant units [8].

Surveillance gives regulators continuous evidence and deters violations, so it partly bridges the deficit. Whether it closes the gap depends on staffing, response protocols and penalties. With these in place, the CAQM framework can help secure the right to clean air under Article 21 and SDG 11.6.