ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 26th June. Click Here for more information.
What is the News?
The Supreme Court has approved the measures taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management(CAQM) to create an ‘Enforcement Task Force’ and flying squads to prevent and penalise polluters in Delhi NCR.
What is the issue?
The Commission for Air Quality Management(CAQM) has announced several emergency measures for Delhi-NCR to bring down the levels of pollutants in the air.
These measures include a) Educational institutes to remain shut b) Ban on construction activities c) Industrial operations in NCR where gas was not available and not running on PNG or clean fuel would be allowed to operate for eight hours during weekdays and remain closed on weekends and d) Deployment of water sprinklers and anti-smog guns.
To ensure compliance with these measures, CAQM has formed the Flying Squads and Enforcement Task Force.
What will the Flying Squads and Enforcement Task Force do?
Flying squads will consist of officials of the Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB). They will make surprise visits to ensure compliance with rules. They will then report to the Enforcement Task Force, which will meet daily.
The Enforcement Task Force will be a five-member body headed by CAQM Chairperson. Based on the report of the flying squads, the Enforcement Task Force will have the power to order closures, seizures and issue financial penalties for non-compliance.
Source: This post is based on the article “Implement panel’s anti-pollution measures, SC tells Centre, Delhi Govt.” published by The Hindu on 4th December 2021.
