India implemented an automated pollution monitoring system in the last decade in order to improve compliance and enforcement of pollution norms in industries. This move triggered most industries to install continuous emission monitoring systems. Using the coal-based thermal power sector as an example, this study examines the health of these systems and the state of data generated. Coal-based thermal power sector is a heavily air polluting industry in India. The MoEF&CC had introduced emission norms to limit pollution from the industry in 2015. To monitor the progress of implementation of these norms, this system can come handy. However CSE’s study finds this system is still in its infancy, and much more work is needed to mainstream it as a compliance tool.