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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on November 25, 2024

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What can CAQM do to improve Delhi air?

For Preliminary Examination:  Current events of national and international importance

For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & Ecology

Context: 

Air pollution in Delhi has been in the ‘severe’ and ‘severe plus’ category for the most part of the last 10 days. This week, the Supreme Court pulled up the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the government’s monitoring agency, on its inadequate pollution control response.

Read about:

What is Air Quality Index (AQI)?

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

Key takeaways: 

Air Pollution in Delhi

Delhi's air quality has been in the "severe" or "severe plus" category for most of the last ten days. This led to the Supreme Court criticizing the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its ineffective response to the ongoing pollution crisis.

What is CAQM?

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was established through an ordinance in 2020, later formalized by an Act of Parliament in 2021. It was designed to address air pollution issues in the National Capital Region (NCR) and neighboring areas through coordination, research, and resolution. Initially comprising 15 members, including government officials and NGO representatives, it has now expanded to 27 members under the leadership of Rajesh Verma.

The CAQM replaced the Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA), which had been formed in 1998 by the Supreme Court. Unlike EPCA, the CAQM operates under statutory backing, allowing it to enforce actions more robustly. Measures such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), initially introduced by EPCA, continue to be implemented by the CAQM to combat pollution.

Powers of CAQM

Under the Commission for Air Quality Management Act, 2021, the CAQM is empowered to:

• Formulate and enforce measures to protect and enhance air quality.
• Issue directions and entertain complaints.
• Take stringent action against officials failing to comply with its orders (as per Section 14).

Supreme Court's Criticism of CAQM

The Supreme Court, in its recent observations, expressed dissatisfaction with CAQM's lack of effective enforcement. It highlighted that many stakeholders were not adhering to its directions and noted delays in implementing critical measures under GRAP despite air quality falling to the "severe plus" level. The court urged CAQM to take proactive, impactful steps rather than relying on delayed responses.

Is CAQM Responsible for Delhi’s Pollution?

While CAQM devises policies and coordinates with agencies, the actual implementation of these measures lies with state governments and local authorities. According to a CAQM official, the commission has improved coordination and planning, citing efforts like engaging state officials months ahead of the stubble-burning season to prepare action plans.

Despite these efforts, the official acknowledged challenges, stating that while stubble burning had been a primary focus, future plans would prioritize tackling multiple pollution sources, including dust and vehicular emissions.

Conclusion

While the CAQM has brought a structured approach to combating air pollution, gaps in enforcement and ground-level implementation continue to hamper its effectiveness. Comprehensive and collaborative efforts across all levels of governance are crucial to achieving tangible improvements in air quality

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