The National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas’ Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is put to the test, with no break predicted in the upcoming days and weeks. Having been established as a legislative agency in 2021, the CAQM is responsible for creating and carrying out policies to avoid and manage air pollution in the area.
Source: Hindustan Times
Among its other responsibilities are dealing with stubble burning and organising the states’ efforts to reduce pollution (Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and UP).In order to reduce air pollution, the NCR is implementing the Graded Response Action Plan gradually.
It divides actions into four stages based on the state of the air. But even with such a well-defined plan of action, enforcement has not lived up to expectations. Among the main causes of the NCR’s declining air quality are motor vehicles, particularly diesel four-wheelers, building sites, stubble burning, and coal-fired power stations.
Source: ABP NEWS
Since this is an election year, state administrations are hesitant to take strong action against those who set agricultural residue on fire in order to offend farmers, who are an important source of votes.The Punjab Chief Secretary and the Member Secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board received letters from the National Green Tribunal last week over the contribution of stubble and straw burning to the worsening of air pollution in the nation’s capital.
The CAQM must accept the challenge and insist that the states in question take no chances when it comes to combating air pollution. It must guarantee that public health comes first above all other considerations. The Commission’s establishment would have been for naught if it did not take the necessary action.
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