Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM)

As the paddy harvest season begins in northern India, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ramped up its efforts to curb stubble burning. This agricultural practice is one of the key contributors to winter air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR), particularly affecting Delhi and its surrounding areas.

About the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

The CAQM was established as a statutory body under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. Its primary purpose is to address and manage the air quality issues in the Delhi-NCR region, which is often grappling with high levels of air pollution, especially in the winter months.

Mandate and Functions:

• Coordination: The CAQM is responsible for better coordination between the central and state governments in the Delhi-NCR region to tackle air pollution.

• Research and Identification: It focuses on research to identify the causes of air pollution and works on finding solutions to improve air quality.

• Resolution of Air Quality Issues: The Commission is dedicated to resolving the problems surrounding the air quality index and taking preventive actions related to air pollution in the region.

• Collaborative Effort: It works closely with state governments of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, which contribute to the region's air pollution, especially due to practices like stubble burning and industrial emissions.

Powers of the Commission for Air Quality Management

The CAQM has wide-ranging powers to act on air quality issues, which include:

1. Restricting Activities: The Commission has the authority to restrict activities that influence air quality, such as stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial pollution.

2. Investigation and Research: It can conduct investigations and research related to environmental pollution that impacts air quality, which informs its recommendations and actions.

3. Regulations and Guidelines: The CAQM is empowered to issue regulations, guidelines, and codes of practice for the prevention and control of air pollution. These are binding on all concerned authorities.

4. Issuing Directions: The Commission can issue directions to various authorities, organizations, and individuals to ensure compliance with air quality standards. These directions must be followed by the concerned parties.

The CAQM's directions and orders are legally binding, and any violation can result in penalties or legal action. The Commission is directly accountable to the Parliament, ensuring transparency and accountability in its actions.

Composition of the Commission for Air Quality Management

The CAQM is designed to be a multi-faceted body, with representation from government officials, technical experts, and non-government organizations:

1. Chairperson: The Commission is headed by a government official of the rank of Secretary or Chief Secretary, who holds the post for three years or until the age of 70.

2. Ex-Officio Members: The Commission includes five ex-officio members who are Chief Secretaries or Secretaries of the departments handling environmental protection in the states of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

3. Technical Members: The Commission also includes three full-time technical members with expertise in environmental science and air quality management.

4. Members from NGOs: There are three members from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), providing civil society perspectives on air quality and pollution control.

5. Other Key Members: It also has representatives from:

   • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

   • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

   • NITI Aayog.

Recent Measures to Tackle Stubble Burning

The paddy harvest season is a critical period when stubble burning in states like Punjab and Haryana contributes significantly to the air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. To mitigate this, the CAQM has intensified its monitoring and enforcement measures during this time. Some of the steps include:

• Increased Enforcement: Monitoring and inspection teams are being deployed to check stubble burning activities and impose penalties for violations.

• Promoting Alternatives: The CAQM is actively promoting alternatives to stubble burning, such as the use of biomass for power generation or composting the stubble.

• Public Awareness: The Commission is working with local authorities to raise awareness about the harmful effects of stubble burning on both air quality and health.

Conclusion

The Commission for Air Quality Management plays a pivotal role in addressing air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, one of the most polluted areas in the world. With its comprehensive powers to monitor, regulate, and enforce actions against air pollution, the CAQM is instrumental in tackling challenges such as stubble burning and other sources of pollution in the region.