Context:
The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas is a statutory body established by the Government of India to coordinate and implement measures for air pollution control in Delhi-NCR and surrounding regions.
Key Highlights:
Legal Basis
- Established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
- Replaced the earlier Commission for Air Quality Management Ordinance, 2020.
Jurisdiction
- Covers Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh regions falling within the NCR and adjoining areas.
- Addresses cross-boundary air pollution, which is a major contributor to Delhi’s air quality crisis.
Composition
- Chairperson: A senior official with experience in environment protection or pollution control (rank of Secretary to the Government of India).
- Includes members from:
- Central ministries
- State governments
- Pollution Control Boards
- Experts in air pollution, agriculture, and public health
- NGOs and technical institutions
Powers and Functions
- Coordinates actions among states in NCR to control air pollution.
- Can issue binding directions to governments and authorities.
- Has powers to:
- Monitor and enforce pollution control measures
- Regulate industries and construction activities
- Address stubble burning and vehicular emissions
- Develop air quality management plans.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
- Coordinate efforts for:
- Stubble burning control
- Vehicular pollution reduction
- Industrial emission control
- Dust pollution management.
Penalties
- Violations of CAQM directions may lead to:
- Imprisonment up to 5 years, or
- Fine up to ₹1 crore, or both.
Significance
- Created to replace fragmented governance of air pollution in NCR.
- Provides a centralized institutional mechanism for coordinated action across states.
UPSC Relevance
- Prelims: CAQM Act 2021, GRAP, NCR environmental governance.
- Mains (GS III – Environment): Institutional mechanisms for air pollution control in India.