The Lok Sabha on August 4, 2021 passed the Bill to formalise the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) For National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.
The body has a full time chairperson and a range of members consisting of both representatives from several Ministries as well as independent experts.
- The body will have the final say on evolving policy and issuing directions to address air pollution in Delhi and the adjoining regions.
- The new organisation would be a ‘permanent’ body to address pollution in the National Capital Region Delhi and address sources of pollution in Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
- The all-powerful body assumed several powers to coordinate action among States, levy fines — ranging up to ₹1 crore or five years of prison — to address air pollution.
- While the Central Pollution Control Board and its State branches have the powers to implement provisions of the Environment Protection Act for air, water and land pollution, in case of dispute or a clash of jurisdictions, the Commission’s writ would prevail specific to matters concerning air pollution.
