Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

In News

The Central government’s Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and its Adjoining Areas has been shut down within five months of its constitution.

About

Background

• The Centre dissolved it after five months as the ordinance lapsed after failing to become an act.
• The erstwhile Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, or EPCA had been dissolved to make way for the Commission.

Need

• The air pollution is indeed a major challenge; it has health, economic and political implications; and the problem of multiplicity of bodies was a key reason why it could not be tackled effectively.

Significance

• Statutory Body: It is a statutory body that regulates the process by coordinating between the Central Government and the states concerned.
• So far, the matter was overseen by the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority
• Holistic Approach:The commission will have the power to coordinate with relevant state and central governments on the multi-sector plan including industry, power plants, agriculture, transport, residential and construction.
• More teeth: The new commission will reportedly have more powers — in its constitution and scope as well in terms of punitive provisions.

Issues

• The Ordinance route was criticised, that is against the democratic setup. States and other stakeholders were not contacted.
• Lack of a time-bound commitment to clean the air.
• Sceptic about the working of the body
• Over centralisation of the Central government.

Way ahead

• Outlines a time-bound commitment to achieving the set standards;
• Ensures adequate personnel and funds for pollution control bodies
• Stricter monitoring systems.
• Strong Political will and support is required.

Source- Outlook