- The Supreme Court questioned the effectiveness of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in curbing pollution, particularly concerning the recurrence of stubble burning around Delhi as winter approaches.
- The court highlighted the lack of compliance with the provisions of the Commission for Air Quality Management Act, 2021, asking for concrete action.
- CAQM replaced the Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority (1998).
- Functions: Coordinating actions across states, planning air pollution control, identifying pollutants, conducting research, training, and creating action plans.
- Powers: The Commission’s orders will take precedence over state governments and pollution control boards.
- Composition: It includes a chairperson, technical experts, government representatives, and NGOs, with a tenure of three years or until age 70.
- Non-compliance may result in fines of up to one crore rupees or imprisonment of up to five years.
- Appeals will be handled by the National Green Tribunal.
| Stubble Burning Stubble burning has been reported in areas neighbouring Delhi, signalling worsening air quality with winter approaching. Paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana contributes up to 40% of the pollutant load in October and November. Punjab saw a 59% reduction in stubble burning incidents in 2023 compared to 2022, Haryana a 40% reduction, but Uttar Pradesh saw a 30% rise. 2 million tonnes of paddy straw will be co-fired in 11 thermal power plants in the NCR region. |
Dig Deeper: Read about reform brought by the Commission for Air Quality Management Act, 2021
