New Delhi's fight against hazardous dust pollution faces a critical enforcement gap. Data reveals that while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is actively penalising violators at construction sites, the actual recovery of fines is alarmingly low, raising serious questions about the drive's real-world impact.
The Stark Gap Between Penalties and Recovery
According to sources, between September 1 and December 31, 2025, the civic body issued a total of 2,122 challans for dust violations. The cumulative penalty amount for these fines stood at a staggering Rs 3.6 crore. However, the actual amount recovered by the MCD was a paltry Rs 19.5 lakh, highlighting a massive shortfall in enforcement.
The situation in December 2025 alone was particularly telling. MCD teams inspected 5,340 sites across the city. They issued challans to 746 small construction sites (measuring less than 500 sq metres) for flouting dust mitigation norms or failing to register on a government portal. The penalties imposed added up to Rs 99.4 lakh, but recoveries were limited to just Rs 9 lakh.
Weak Enforcement Across Small and Large Projects
The enforcement drive showed similar weaknesses for larger projects. Out of 1,629 identified sites spanning over 500 square metres, challans were issued to only 42 buildings. While penalties totalled Rs 30 lakh for these major violators, a mere Rs 1 lakh was ultimately collected.
A broader view from April to December 2025 underscores the persistent trend. The MCD's building department issued 2,920 challans amounting to Rs 4.8 crore, but only Rs 28.1 lakh was recovered. The highest number of challans was issued in November (928 challans, Rs 1.4 crore), followed by December (788 challans, Rs 1.3 crore), coinciding with worsening pollution levels after Diwali.
Official Stance vs. Expert Opinion
An MCD official defended the campaign, stating that its primary aim is to bring about behavioural change rather than merely collect revenue. "Most violators take precautions after receiving a challan, which is the main objective," the official said. The body has also provided POS machines for on-the-spot fines, especially for sanitation violations.
However, environmental experts stress that without ensuring compliance and recovery, the exercise loses its teeth. Anumita Roychowdhury, Executive Director (Research and Advocacy) at the Centre for Science and Environment, argued, "While levying fines may not be the ultimate objective, ensuring compliance with norms is essential to achieve results. If no visible changes occur on the ground after penalties, enforcement fails its purpose."
Legal Framework and Recovery Challenges
The MCD issues challans under National Green Tribunal (NGT) norms and Solid Waste Management (SWM) rules, with specific fines like Rs 5,000 for open waste burning. Powers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 allow for penalties, spot fines, and prosecution.
For recovery, the corporation can use provisions under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, to attach arrears or property. However, officials admit this process is time-consuming. MCD is reportedly following up on pending cases with the NGT and sub-divisional magistrates, but progress remains slow. A May 2024 Delhi High Court order to set up special courts for environment act cases is expected to help, but its full effect is yet to be seen.
The ongoing discrepancy between penalties issued and fines collected continues to cast a shadow over Delhi's strategy to combat its perennial dust pollution crisis, putting the onus on stronger accountability mechanisms.
