Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), Imposing Environmental Compensation Charges

Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM): it was formed in 2020 under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) is also important for UPSC Prelims Exam and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 3- Environment and ecology).

Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) in News

The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has been taking significant measures to mitigate air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).

• As part of these efforts, the CAQM has formed 40 inspection teams or flying squads that are actively conducting inspections and enforcing compliance with air pollution control laws and statutory directives.
• These teams have been intensifying their activities to ensure that all relevant regulations are followed effectively.

CAQM Steps Taken

The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) is making efforts towards strict enforcement of its Statutory Directions and Orders.

• Violations and non-compliance of the Directions issued by the Commission and air pollution control rules/ regulations are being dealt under environmental laws.
• Beside closure of such grossly violating units, the Commission has also issued orders for imposing Environmental Compensation Charges (EC) and initiation of prosecution.
• CAQM has also advised the State implementing agencies including State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and DPCC to ensure compliance and strict implementation of the Statutory Directions issued by the Commission.
• During the current year 2023 (January – May), the flying squads have conducted 2,901 surprise inspections and field-level incognito checks at various sites across NCR including industrial units, Construction & Demolition (C&D) sites, commercial/ residential units using Diesel Generator (DG) sets, air pollution hotspots, etc.
• Pursuant to the report of the flying squads, 147 closure orders against grossly violating units have been issued in NCR i.e.
  • 05 in Delhi;
  • 61 in Haryana (NCR);
  • 60 in Uttar Pradesh (NCR); and
  • 21 in Rajasthan (NCR) in respect of grossly violating units.
• During the period January – May, 2023, 51 industrial units were issued closure directions for using unapproved fuels, out of which only 08 were found using coal.

Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body formed under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021.

• Background: Earlier, the commission was formed through the promulgation of the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2021.
  • The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021 also dissolved the Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority (EPCA) established in the NCR in 1998.
• Mandate: To ensure better coordination, research, identification and resolution of problems surrounding the air quality index and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
• Scope: Adjoining areas have been defined as areas in the states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh adjoining the NCR where any source of pollution may cause an adverse impact on air quality in the NCR.

CAQM Composition and Tenure

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas will consist of-

1. 1. A Chairperson,
   2. An officer of the rank of a Joint Secretary as the member-secretary and Chief Coordinating Officer,
   3. A currently serving or former Joint Secretary from the central government as a full-time member,
   4. Three independent technical members with expertise related to air pollution, and
   5. Three members from non-government organizations.

• The Commission will also include ex-officio members:
  • From the central government and concerned state governments, and
  • Technical members from CPCB, Indian Space Research Organisation, and NITI Aayog.
  • May also appoint representatives of certain ministries.
• Tenure: The Chairperson and members of the Commission will have a tenure of three years or till the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier.

CAQM Selection Committee for appointment

CAQM will be constituted by the central government for recommending appointments of members of the Commission. The Committee will include-\

• Chairperson- Minister in charge of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Members of the Committee will include–
  • Minister of Commerce and Industry,
  • Minister of Road Transport and Highways,
  • Minister of Science and Technology, and
  • Cabinet Secretary.
• Sub-Committees: The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas is required to form sub-committees on-
  • Monitoring and identification headed by a Member of the Commission.
  • Safeguarding and enforcement headed by the Chairperson of the Commission and
  • Research and development headed by a technical member of the commission.

  CAQM Powers

• Restricting activities influencing air quality,
• Investigating and conducting research related to environmental pollution impacting air quality,
• Preparing codes and guidelines to prevent and control air pollution, and
• Issuing directions on matters including inspections, or regulations that will be binding on the concerned person or authority.
• The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas may impose and collect environmental compensation from farmers causing pollution by stubble burning.
  • This compensation will be prescribed by the central government.

CAQM Functions and Responsibilities

The key functions and responsibilities of the Commission for Air Quality Management include:

• Framing policies and strategies: The CAQM develops policies, action plans, and strategies to tackle air pollution in the NCR and adjoining areas. It sets targets and identifies priority areas for air quality improvement.
• Coordination and collaboration: The commission acts as a coordinating body, bringing together various stakeholders, including central and state government agencies, local authorities, industry representatives, and experts. It facilitates collaboration and joint efforts towards air pollution control.
• Monitoring and assessment: CAQM monitors air quality levels and conducts regular assessments of pollution sources and their impact on public health. It establishes monitoring networks and collects data to guide decision-making processes.
• Research and development: The commission promotes research and development activities related to air pollution and its control. It supports scientific studies, technological innovations, and the development of sustainable solutions to reduce pollution levels.
• Implementation and enforcement: CAQM ensures the effective implementation of air pollution control measures. It has the authority to issue directions, guidelines, and standards for pollution control, and it monitors compliance with these regulations.
• Public awareness and participation: The commission focuses on creating awareness among the public about the harmful effects of air pollution and encourages their active participation in pollution control initiatives. It conducts awareness campaigns, outreach programs, and educational activities.

CAQM Conclusion

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts and implementing measures to combat air pollution, safeguard public health, and improve the overall air quality in the region.

CAQM Meet on Stubble Burning

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