Improving Delhi’s Air Quality: Challenges and Actions of the CAQM

Improving Delhi’s Air Quality: Challenges and Actions of the CAQM

Sub: Env

Sec: Pollution

Why in News

• Delhi’s air quality has been at dangerous levels for much of the last two weeks, raising concerns among citizens and environmental bodies. The Supreme Court recently criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for not effectively managing the pollution crisis, despite its authority and resources.

About Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):

• Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR)and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) was established by the CAQM Ordinance, 2020 and CAQM, Act 2021.
• The Act provides for the constitution of a Commission for better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems related to air quality in the National Capital Region(NCR) and adjoining areas.
• Adjoining areas have been defined as areas in the states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh adjoining the NCRwhere any source of pollution may cause adverse impact on air quality in the NCR.
• Apart from consolidating all agencies that monitored, investigated and planned mitigation of air pollution in the region, the commission has replaced the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) which had been running for 22 years.

Objectives: The CAQM aims to:

• Facilitate coordination between different government agencies.
• Conduct research on air quality.
• Address air pollution and related challenges effectively.

Legal Authority: The CAQM has comprehensive powers under the CAQM Act, 2021 to:

• Take measures to improve air quality.
• Issue binding directions to agencies and authorities.
• Address complaints and enforce compliance.

Penalty Provisions: Under Section 14 of the Act, the commission can initiate strict actions against officials or stakeholders who do not adhere to its directives.

Supreme Court’s Concerns:

• The Supreme Courthas consistently monitored Delhi’s air quality and has often criticized government agencies for inaction. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the CAQM’s approach, stating:
• The CAQM’s actions were delayed despite deteriorating air quality.
• Implementation of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)was postponed, despite forecasts indicating severe pollution.

What is GRAP:

• GRAP is a set of emergency measuresthat kick in to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold in Delhi-NCR region.
• It wasapproved by the Supreme Court in 2016 and was notified in 2017.
• For theimplementation of the plan, the Centre decided to set up the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.

What are different stages of GRAP:

The GRAP are divided into four stages:

• Stage 1– “poor” AQI of 201 and 300
• Stage 2– “very poor” AQI of 301-400
• Stage 3– “severe” AQI of 401-450
• Stage 4– “severe plus” AQI more than 450.