Delhi Air Pollution: Govt Forms New Body to Tackle Crisis

Violation of panel’s order would invite jail term up to 5 years and a fine up to Rs 1 crore.

Delhi – which faced toxic levels of air pollution last winter, especially in the first half of November 2019 – topped the list of most polluted cities in the world that month.

(Photo: PTI)

President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday, 28 October, gave a green signal for setting up a commission to tackle air pollution in the national capital through an ordinance.

The Centre had approached the President to form a commission for air quality management.

As per the notification issued by the government, the Commission for Air Quality Management will now replace Environment Pollution and Prevention Control Authority (EPCA).

It will have powers to lay down norms, order remedial measures and direct state governments to take up work to curb pollution as well as stubble burning. Violation of the new commission’s order would invite jail term up to five years and a fine up to Rs 1 crore.

EPCA Ceases to Exist

The EPCA was formed under the Supreme Court to monitor air pollution in the country.

The new environment body will be constituted to supervise the air quality management in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas for better coordination, research, identification and resolution of problems surrounding the air quality index, the statement read.

The Commission will also replace other committees in for better public participation and interstate cooperation in managing air pollution in NCR and adjoining areas, the notification said, India Today reported.

Who Will Be Part of Panel?

The commission will be headed by a chairperson appointed by the Centre.

The Commission will have jurisdiction over Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, in matters of air pollution.

The body will also have technical experts, and representatives from NGOs, ministry of power, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), among others.

(With inputs from India Today)