Supreme Court Pulls Up CAQM for Inadequate Pollution Control Response in Delhi

• The Supreme Court has criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for inadequate pollution control response in Delhi.

• The CAQM was established in 2020 for better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of air quality issues.

• The CAQM replaced the Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA), which was formed in 1998.

• Under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, the CAQM has the power to take all measures, issue directives, and entertain complaints for the purpose of improving air quality in the NCR and adjoining areas.

• The Supreme Court has observed laxity in the CAQM’s actions and directed stringent curbs under Stage IV of the GRAP.

• The court criticized the CAQM for delayed action and directing stringent curbs, stating that it waited in vain for the air to improve.

• The CAQM has improved coordination and planning, with action plans for controlling stubble burning prepared in 2022 and updated every year.

• The decision to impose GRAP should be taken proactively by the CAQM, with more accurate pollution forecasting methods suggested.