Delhi to equip 100 Vayu Rakshak teams with body cameras for real-time pollution checks

The Delhi government plans to introduce body-worn cameras for its Vayu Rakshak teams to improve accountability during field inspections and enforcement action against pollution-related violations, officials said on Friday.

The government intends to procure 100 body cameras for 100 enforcement teams tasked with responding to pollution-related complaints and monitoring compliance with pollution-control measures.

The move comes as Delhi continues to grapple with deteriorating air quality, prompting authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement on the ground.

Live footage to be monitored from command centre

The cameras will record the activities of enforcement personnel during inspections, while their live footage will also be accessible to officials monitoring operations from the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).

This will allow senior officials to track enforcement activities in real time and monitor how teams respond to violations and carry out inspections.

Officials said the initiative is intended to prevent lapses during field operations and ensure that pollution-control rules are implemented more effectively. The recordings are also expected to provide greater transparency in the functioning of the teams.

Vayu Rakshak teams tasked with tackling pollution

The Vayu Rakshak teams operate as rapid response units to combat air pollution in the national capital. Their responsibilities include field-level monitoring and action against violations of pollution-control measures.

The proposed deployment of body cameras is part of the government's effort to strengthen oversight of these operations as Delhi's air pollution remains a pressing concern.