Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

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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.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

  • Formed by an ordinance, “Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance 2020”, in October 2020.
  • The Commission will be a statutory authority.It will supersede bodies such as the central and state pollution control boards of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, UP and Rajasthan.
  • Composition: The new 18-member Commission brings together the Centre, states, and other stakeholders on one collaborative platform.
    • Chaired by a government official of the rank of Secretary or Chief Secretary. The chairperson will hold the post for three years or until s/he attains the age of 70 years.
    • It will also have five ex officio members who are either Chief Secretaries, or Secretaries in charge of the department dealing with environment protection in the States of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
    • Three full time technical members.
  • Powers & Jurisdiction: It will have the powers to issue directions to these state governments on issues pertaining to air pollution.
    • Exclusive jurisdiction over the NCR, including areas in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, in matters of air pollution, and will be working along with CPCB and ISRO, apart from the respective state governments.
    • The Commission will have the power to impose a fine of up to Rs 1 crore and imprisonment of up to 5 years in case its directions are contravened.

Source- Outlook

 
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