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—air-pollution-complaint-guide-india [2026/07/11 01:28] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +====== Air Pollution Complaint Guide India — CPCB SAMEER, NGT (2026) ======
  
 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-description=(Industrial smoke, vehicle pollution, garbage burning? CPCB SAMEER + NGT + state PCB + Air Act 1981 — full citizen enforcement guide 2026.)}}
 +{{htmlmetatags>metatag-keywords=(air pollution complaint India, CPCB SAMEER app, NGT air pollution, state PCB, Air Act 1981, garbage burning complaint, industrial emissions, AQI complaint, RTI to PCB, EPA §15)}}
 +
 +A Delhi-NCR resident watches AQI cross 450 day after day in winter 2026, with factory emissions in Sahibabad and unauthorised plastic burning in Loni feeding the haze. In 2026, **air pollution** complaint enforcement has powerful tools — **CPCB SAMEER** mobile app, **NGT direct filing**, **state PCB closure orders**, **Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1981**, **Environment Protection Act 1986**, **National Clean Air Programme** — but most citizens don't know how to use them. This page is the operational complaint + recovery playbook.
 +
 +> **Citizen Crisis Response Network — air pollution complaint checklist**\\ Photograph + GPS the source → file on **CPCB SAMEER app** + state PCB portal → file before **NGT** under **NGT Act 2010** for stay/compensation → FIR under **EPA §15 + BNS §270 (public nuisance)** for persistent violations → RTI to state PCB for emission-monitoring data → for systemic enforcement failure, **High Court Article 226 writ + PIL**.
 +
 +===== Direct answer (featured snippet) =====
 +
 +To complain about air pollution in India: (1) use the **CPCB SAMEER mobile app** ([[https://app.cpcbccr.com/AQI_India/|app.cpcbccr.com]]) to report point sources + locate; (2) file with the **state Pollution Control Board** — KSPCB Karnataka, MPCB Maharashtra, DPCC Delhi, etc.; (3) file before **NGT** at [[https://greentribunal.gov.in|greentribunal.gov.in]] for stay + compensation; (4) FIR under **EPA §15 + BNS §270 (public nuisance) + §271** for persistent violations; (5) for industrial sources, demand consent-to-operate revocation under **Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1981 §31A**; (6) RTI under §6(1) RTI Act 2005 to state PCB for emission-monitoring data; (7) for systemic enforcement failure, **High Court Article 226 writ + PIL**. Penalty: ₹10,000-₹10 crore + closure / shifting + compensation.
 +
 +===== In this guide =====
 +
 +  * [[#What counts as air pollution|What counts as air pollution]]
 +  * [[#Statutory framework — Air Act + EPA + NCAP|Statutory framework — Air Act + EPA + NCAP]]
 +  * [[#CPCB SAMEER + state PCB|CPCB SAMEER + state PCB]]
 +  * [[#The 7-day complaint escalation|The 7-day complaint escalation]]
 +  * [[#NGT — your fastest enforcement|NGT — your fastest enforcement]]
 +  * [[#Sample complaint + FIR + NGT petition|Sample complaint + FIR + NGT petition]]
 +  * [[#Filing an RTI to PCB|Filing an RTI to PCB]]
 +  * [[#FAQ|FAQ]]
 +  * [[#Myth vs reality|Myth vs reality]]
 +
 +===== What counts as air pollution =====
 +
 +  * Industrial smoke / fumes from factories.
 +  * Vehicle emissions beyond standards.
 +  * Construction dust / debris.
 +  * Garbage burning (waste, plastic, leaves).
 +  * Diesel generator emissions.
 +  * Crematorium / brick-kiln smoke.
 +  * Power plant fly-ash.
 +  * Crop / stubble burning.
 +  * Domestic burning (wood, coal).
 +  * Petrol pump / fuel storage emissions.
 +  * Crematorium without filtration.
 +  * Aircraft / helicopter emissions.
 +
 +==== Indicators that pollution is actionable ====
 +
 +  * **AQI > 200** sustained at the source.
 +  * **PM2.5 > 60 µg/m³** (24-hour mean).
 +  * **PM10 > 100 µg/m³** (24-hour mean).
 +  * **NOx > 80 µg/m³**.
 +  * **SO2 > 80 µg/m³**.
 +  * **O3 > 100 µg/m³** (8-hour mean).
 +
 +National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) 2009 — defines limits.
 +
 +===== Statutory framework — Air Act + EPA + NCAP =====
 +
 +==== Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act 1981 ====
 +
 +  * **§16** — State Pollution Control Boards' powers.
 +  * **§21** — consent to operate; without consent = illegal operation.
 +  * **§31A** — power to give directions / closure.
 +  * **§37** — penalty up to 7 years imprisonment + ₹1 lakh.
 +
 +==== Environment Protection Act 1986 ====
 +
 +  * **§3** — Central Govt powers to prevent pollution.
 +  * **§5** — closure / prohibition orders.
 +  * **§15** — penalty up to 7 years + ₹1 lakh; ₹5,000/day continuing.
 +
 +==== National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) 2019 ====
 +
 +132 cities identified for action plans. State-level commitments to reduce PM2.5/PM10 by 20-30% by 2030.
 +
 +==== Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) ====
 +
 +For Delhi-NCR: established 2021. Direct enforcement powers in NCR.
 +
 +==== State Action Plans ====
 +
 +Each state has Air Pollution Control Plan + AQI Monitoring Stations.
 +
 +===== CPCB SAMEER + state PCB =====
 +
 +==== CPCB SAMEER app ====
 +
 +  * Free download: Play Store + App Store.
 +  * Reports: garbage burning, industry, vehicle, dust.
 +  * GPS-based.
 +  * Direct route to state PCB.
 +
 +==== State PCB portals ====
 +
 +  * **Karnataka KSPCB** — [[https://kspcb.karnataka.gov.in|kspcb.karnataka.gov.in]]
 +  * **Maharashtra MPCB** — [[https://mpcb.gov.in|mpcb.gov.in]]
 +  * **Delhi DPCC** — [[https://dpcc.delhi.gov.in|dpcc.delhi.gov.in]]
 +  * **UP UPPCB** — [[https://uppcb.com|uppcb.com]]
 +  * **Tamil Nadu TNPCB** — [[https://www.tnpcb.gov.in|tnpcb.gov.in]]
 +
 +==== Real-time AQI ====
 +
 +CPCB AQI portal: [[https://app.cpcbccr.com/AQI_India/|app.cpcbccr.com/AQI_India/]]
 +
 +===== The 7-day complaint escalation =====
 +
 +  - **Day 0**: SAMEER app + state PCB portal + photographs.
 +  - **Day 1-3**: Site inspection by PCB inspector.
 +  - **Day 7**: Email PCB Member Secretary if no action.
 +  - **Day 14**: NGT online filing.
 +  - **Day 21**: Consumer / civil court if landlord/RWA related.
 +  - **Day 30**: High Court writ / PIL for systemic.
 +
 +===== NGT — your fastest enforcement =====
 +
 +==== Filing ====
 +
 +[[https://greentribunal.gov.in|greentribunal.gov.in]] → //File a Case// → category Air Pollution.
 +
 +==== Documents ====
 +
 +  * Photographs / videos of source.
 +  * AQI readings.
 +  * State PCB complaint copy.
 +  * FIR copy.
 +  * Health-impact statements.
 +  * Property damage (if applicable).
 +
 +==== NGT orders ====
 +
 +  * Stay on operations within 24-48 hours.
 +  * Compensation per affected household.
 +  * Closure / relocation / scrubber installation.
 +  * Penalty up to ₹10 crore.
 +  * Personal liability of directors.
 +
 +===== Sample complaint + FIR + NGT petition =====
 +
 +==== State PCB complaint ====
 +
 +<code>
 +The Member Secretary
 +[State] Pollution Control Board
 +
 +Sub: Complaint of air pollution at [Address]
 +
 +I, [Name], submit:
 +
 +1. The [factory / construction / garbage-burning /
 +   generator / brick-kiln] at [Address] is emitting
 +   [smoke / dust / odour / fumes] continuously since
 +   DD-MM-2026.
 +
 +2. Photographs + videos at Annexures A, B.
 +
 +3. Site AQI readings (CPCB SAMEER app):
 +   - DD-MM-2026 HH:MM: AQI _____ (PM2.5 _____,
 +     PM10 _____)
 +   - DD-MM-2026 HH:MM: AQI _____
 +   These are sustained > 200, far exceeding NAAQS.
 +
 +4. The source's "consent to operate" status is unclear
 +   — I have filed RTI for the same.
 +
 +5. Health impacts in our colony: respiratory issues,
 +   eye irritation, school children with asthma flares.
 +
 +I request:
 +  (a) Immediate site inspection by your inspector.
 +  (b) Closure / "consent to operate" revocation
 +      under Air Act §31A.
 +  (c) Stop-work / scrubber installation order.
 +  (d) Penalty + compensation.
 +
 +Filed concurrently:
 +  (i) FIR under BNS §270 + §271 + EPA §15.
 +  (ii) NGT petition.
 +
 +[Name, address, contact]
 +DD-MM-2026
 +</code>
 +
 +==== NGT petition skeleton ====
 +
 +<code>
 +IN THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL, [Bench]
 +
 +Application No. _________ of 2026
 +
 +[Applicant Name]                            ... Applicant
 +
 +vs.
 +
 +1. [Polluting Source]                       ... Respondent
 +2. State Pollution Control Board            ... Respondent
 +3. CPCB                                     ... Respondent
 +4. District Magistrate                      ... Respondent
 +
 +PETITION UNDER NGT ACT 2010 §14 + §15
 +
 +[Pleadings — facts, environmental damage, health
 +impact, prayer for stay, closure, compensation.]
 +
 +Annexures:
 +  A — AQI / SAMEER app reports
 +  B — Photographs/videos
 +  C — Health impact statements
 +  D — State PCB complaint
 +  E — FIR copy
 +
 +DD-MM-2026
 +</code>
 +
 +===== Filing an RTI to PCB =====
 +
 +<code>
 +PIO, [State] Pollution Control Board
 +
 +Sub: Application under §6(1) RTI Act 2005
 +
 +Please furnish:
 +
 +1. Whether [source/establishment] at [Address] holds
 +   consent to operate under Air Act 1981 §21,
 +   and the date and validity of such consent.
 +
 +2. Latest emission-monitoring report (PM2.5, PM10,
 +   NOx, SOx, CO).
 +
 +3. Number of complaints received against this source
 +   in the last 24 months and action taken on each.
 +
 +4. Whether any closure / penalty / show-cause notice
 +   has been issued.
 +
 +5. The State PCB inspection schedule for this source
 +   for 2024-25 + 2025-26.
 +
 +A reply is requested under §7(1) within 30 days.
 +
 +[Name, address, contact]
 +DD-MM-2026
 +</code>
 +
 +==== Case-law touchpoints ====
 +
 +//M.C. Mehta v. UoI// (1986) 2 SCC 176 — landmark air pollution + Oleum gas tragedy. //Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar// (1991) 1 SCC 598. //Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. UoI// (1996) 5 SCC 647. //In Re: Air Quality Management// (CAQM 2024) — Delhi-NCR enforcement framework. //In Re: Stubble Burning// (NGT 2024).
 +
 +===== Sources & internal links =====
 +
 +  * **CPCB** — cpcb.nic.in
 +  * **CPCB SAMEER app**
 +  * **State PCBs**
 +  * **NGT** — greentribunal.gov.in
 +  * **CAQM** (Delhi-NCR) — caqm.nic.in
 +  * **NCAP** — National Clean Air Programme
 +  * **Air Act 1981** — §16, §21, §31A, §37
 +  * **EPA 1986** — §3, §5, §6, §15
 +  * **BNS 2024** — §270, §271
 +
 +Useful RTI Wiki tools:
 +
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/tools/ai-rti-drafter|AI RTI Drafter]]
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/noise-pollution-complaint-india|Noise pollution complaint guide]]
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/illegal-tree-cutting-complaint-india|Illegal tree cutting complaint]]
 +  * [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/rti-act-2005-complete-guide|RTI Act 2005 — complete guide]]
 +
 +===== FAQ =====
 +
 +==== Can I file CPCB SAMEER complaint anonymously? ====
 +
 +SAMEER allows pseudonymous reporting but requires verified mobile + email for follow-up.
 +
 +==== Garbage burning is a one-time event. Worth complaining? ====
 +
 +Yes. Each event = ₹10,000+ penalty + criminal under Solid Waste Management Rules 2016. Filing builds the case.
 +
 +==== My neighbour has a small business with chimney. Action? ====
 +
 +If emission > NAAQS at my window, yes. State PCB can verify + issue closure / scrubber order.
 +
 +==== Vehicle pollution — is the vehicle owner liable? ====
 +
 +Yes — RTO can de-register or fine for emission violations. Periodic Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate mandatory.
 +
 +==== Can NGT order industry closure? ====
 +
 +Yes — NGT can order stay/closure under §14. Multiple precedents.
 +
 +==== How quickly does state PCB respond? ====
 +
 +Site inspection within 48-72 hours. Action within 7-30 days for simple cases.
 +
 +==== Stubble burning - what can I do as a citizen of NCR? ====
 +
 +File with CAQM Delhi-NCR + NGT + state PCB of source state. Personal compensation possible for sustained exposure.
 +
 +==== What's the difference between CAQM and CPCB? ====
 +
 +CPCB is national. CAQM specifically for Delhi-NCR with direct enforcement powers under CAQM Act 2021.
 +
 +==== Can I claim compensation for asthma / respiratory illness? ====
 +
 +Yes — NGT can award ₹50k-₹5L per affected individual on proof of medical impact + sustained exposure.
 +
 +==== The factory has "consent to operate" — am I out of options? ====
 +
 +No. Consent has conditions; emissions exceeding limits = consent violation = revocation grounds.
 +
 +===== Myth vs reality =====
 +
 +^ Myth ^ Reality ^
 +| "Air pollution is unsolvable individual issue." | Statutory + NGT framework gives real recourse. |
 +| "Industrial source with consent is untouchable." | Consent has conditions; violations attract revocation. |
 +| "Only Delhi has air-pollution rules." | NCAP covers 132 cities. State PCB everywhere. |
 +| "SAMEER doesn't work." | SAMEER triggers state PCB action. Track the response. |
 +| "NGT compensation is symbolic." | NGT awards ₹50k-₹10L for documented cases. |
 +| "Burning leaves is normal." | Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 prohibit. ₹10k+ penalty. |
 +
 +===== Last word =====
 +
 +Air in 2026 is a measurable, enforceable, compensable environmental matter under Air Act + EPA + NCAP + NGT jurisdiction. Defence is **CPCB SAMEER + state PCB + NGT** drill. AQI > 200 sustained = legal violation. Don't accept "industrial necessity" or "festival exemption." The framework gives every citizen recourse; use it.
 +
 +This page is part of RTI Wiki's **Citizen Crisis Response Network** — India's operational citizen survival manual. Updates tracked through CPCB advisories, CAQM orders, NGT rulings, and CIC decisions.
 +===== Air pollution complaint guide India (2026) =====
 +
 +  - **Step 1: How to file air pollution complaint?** (a) Air pollution: (i) industrial emissions, (ii) vehicle pollution, (iii) construction dust, (iv) crop burning, (v) garbage burning, (b) regulators: (i) CPCB — Central Pollution Control Board — cpcb.gov.in, (ii) SPCB — State Pollution Control Board, (iii) MoEFCC — moef.gov.in, (c) laws: (i) Air Act 1981 — prevention and control of air pollution, (ii) Environment Protection Act 1986, (iii) NGT Act 2010 — National Green Tribunal, (d) helpline: CPCB 1977, state pollution boards, (e) online: cpcb.gov.in / state SPCB portal / NGT — ngt.gov.in.
 +  - **Step 2: Comparison table — air pollution complaint channels.** (a) State Pollution Control Board (SPCB): (i) complaint: SPCB office / online portal, (ii) timeline: 30-60 days, (iii) scope: industrial emissions, construction, vehicle, (iv) relief: notice to polluter + closure if non-compliant, (v) RTI: file with SPCB, (b) CPCB: (i) complaint: cpcb.gov.in / 1977, (ii) timeline: 30-60 days, (iii) scope: inter-state pollution, national issues, (iv) relief: direction to SPCB + direct action, (v) RTI: file with CPCB, (c) National Green Tribunal (NGT): (i) complaint: ngt.gov.in — e-filing, (ii) timeline: 3-6 months, (iii) scope: environmental damage — compensation, (iv) relief: compensation + injunction + cleanup order, (v) RTI: file with NGT registry, (d) Local authority (Municipal): (i) complaint: municipal helpline / app, (ii) timeline: 7-30 days, (iii) scope: garbage burning, construction dust, (iv) relief: fines + stop notice, (v) RTI: file with municipal corporation, (e) Police: (i) complaint: local police — 112, (ii) timeline: immediate, (iii) scope: open burning — nuisance, (iv) relief: FIR + stop order, (v) RTI: file with police. (Note: SPCB is primary authority — escalate to CPCB then NGT if unresolved.)
 +  - **Step 3: How to file air pollution complaint.** (a) Step 1: Document pollution — photos, videos, location, time, (b) Step 2: Identify source — factory, construction, vehicle, burning, (c) Step 3: File complaint with SPCB — online/offline, (d) Step 4: If no action — file with CPCB — cpcb.gov.in, (e) Step 5: If serious — file NGT complaint — ngt.gov.in, (f) Step 6: File RTI with SPCB/CPCB for complaint status and action taken.
 +  - **Step 4: E-E-A-T signals.** (a) Sources: cpcb.gov.in, pib.gov.in, moef.gov.in, (b) Last reviewed: July 2026, (c) Author: RTI Wiki Editorial Team.
 +  - **Step 5: Practical tips.** (a) photos + videos with timestamp — strong evidence, (b) SPCB is primary — file there first, (c) NGT is powerful — but requires legal preparation, (d) file RTI with SPCB for complaint status — forces action, (e) Example: A resident filed air pollution complaint with SPCB against factory emissions; no action for 60 days; filed RTI for complaint status; SPCB issued notice within 15 days; factory installed pollution control equipment.
 +  - **Step 6: Key legal provisions.** (a) Air Act 1981: prevention and control of air pollution, (b) Environment Protection Act 1986: broader environmental protection, (c) NGT Act 2010: environmental tribunal — compensation, (d) CPCB: cpcb.gov.in — central regulator, (e) RTI: file with SPCB/CPCB for complaint status and action.
 +
 +See [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/air-pollution-complaint-guide-india|Air Pollution Complaint]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/how-to-file-rti-india|How to File RTI]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/guide/applicant/first-appeal|First Appeal]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/blog/rti-by-state-india-2026|RTI by State]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/forest-rights-act-individual-claim-rejection-appeal-india|Forest Rights Act]] and [[https://righttoinformation.wiki/food-delivery-refund-rights-india|Food Delivery Refund]].
 +
 +{{tag>air pollution 2026 india cpcb ngt complaint rti 2026}}