Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

Context: CAQM is reviewing the Delhi government’s appeal to suspend the fuel ban on overage vehicles due to technical glitches and public inconvenience.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

Establishment

• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
• Jurisdiction: Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh).

Mandate & Functions

• To ensure better coordination, research, monitoring, and resolution of air pollution issues.
• Focus on improving the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the National Capital Region.
• Coordinate actions among the central government, Delhi, and neighbouring state governments.

Powers & Authority of CAQM

• Can restrict activities contributing to air pollution.
• Empowered to:
  • Conduct investigations and research on air pollution.
  • Frame codes, policies, and guidelines for pollution control.
  • Issue binding directions on inspections, regulations, and compliance.
• Orders and directions are legally binding on individuals, officers, and authorities.
• Accountable directly to Parliament.

Composition of CAQM

• Chairperson: Senior government official (Secretary/Chief Secretary rank); tenure: 3 years or until 70 years of age, whichever is earlier.
• Five ex officio members: Chief Secretaries/Environment Secretaries from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Three full-time technical members.
• Three NGO members are working in environment-related fields.
• Technical experts from:
  • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
  • NITI Aayog

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