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Source – This post on Commission for Air Quality Management is based on the article “Like pollution, your directions are in the air: Supreme Court raps Commission for Air Quality Management over pollution in Delhi” published in The Hindu on 28th September 2024.
Why in News?
The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the CAQM’s measures to control pollution, particularly in Delhi. It directed the CAQM to file a detailed status report specifically addressing the issue of stubble-burning and actions taken against violators.
About Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. It was enacted to address the severe air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas. 2. The Act provides special provisions to address stubble burning. The Commission is authorized to implement and monitor strategies to prevent and reduce stubble burning in agricultural fields. |
| Establishment of the Commission | 1. The Act establishes the Commission for Air Quality Management in the NCR and adjoining areas as a statutory body with powers to take comprehensive measures to curb air pollution. 2. The Commission is headquartered in the NCR and is empowered to set up offices in adjoining areas. |
| Composition | The Commission consists of a Chairperson, Secretary, and other members including experts from fields such as environment, public health, agriculture, and meteorology. |
| Jurisdiction | The Commission’s jurisdiction extends to the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes Delhi and parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, as well as any other adjoining areas that may be notified by the central government. |
| Powers and Functions | 1. The CAQM has the power to monitor, coordinate, and regulate activities contributing to air pollution. 2. It can formulate policies, issue directives, and provide guidelines to curb sources of air pollution like industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, stubble burning, construction activities, and road dust. 3. It can also impose fines and penalties on polluters and violators of environmental regulations |
| Overriding Powers | The CAQM has overriding authority over other bodies such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) within its jurisdiction, with the aim of ensuring coordinated efforts to tackle pollution. |
| Advisory and Coordination Role | The Commission advises central and state governments on air quality. It also coordinates with state authorities, agencies, and local bodies to enforce environmental laws and implement air quality improvement measures. |
| Penalties | Any person who fails to comply with the Commission’s orders or violates provisions of the Act can face **penalties**, including fines and imprisonment. |
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
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