The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has recently issued a directive for the adoption of a standard list of approved fuels by states in the National Capital Region (NCR). The primary objective of this directive is to alleviate the persistent issue of air pollution.
Approved Fuels and the Shift to Cleaner Energy
The CAQM’s approved list of fuels includes petrol, diesel, hydrogen/methane, natural gas, Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), and electricity. These fuels are considered environmentally friendlier and are expected to have a positive impact on air quality. A significant emphasis has been placed on encouraging industries to transition towards cleaner energy sources. Several sectors, including food processing, distilleries, and chemicals, have already begun this process or are planning to make a shift.
For instance, Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and biomass, which are part of the approved list, have gained popularity in the industrial sector. Industries in NCR regions such as Alwar and Bhiwadi in Rajasthan have adopted these cleaner fuels, contributing significantly to the reduction of the pollution load.
About the Commission for Air Quality Management
CAQM is a statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act 2021. Before the enactment of this law, the commission was created through the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2021.
This act also resulted in the dissolution of the Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority (EPCA), which had been operational in the NCR since 1998. The primary aim of CAQM is to improve coordination, research, identification, and resolution of issues associated with the air quality index.
Structure of the Commission
The CAQM will be chaired by a full-time chairperson, who has previously held the position of a Secretary to the Government of India or a Chief Secretary to a state government. The chairperson’s tenure will last for three years or until they reach 70 years of age.
The Commission’s structure also includes members from various Ministries and representatives from the stakeholder states. Experts from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Civil Society will also be part of the Commission.
Scope and Functions of the Commission
The CAQM’s jurisdiction extends to adjoining areas defined as regions in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, which are adjacent to the NCR. These are areas where pollution sources may adversely impact the air quality in the NCR.
The CAQM is responsible for coordinating actions taken by the concerned state governments (Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh), planning and executing strategies to prevent and control air pollution in the NCR, and providing a framework for identifying air pollutants.
Additionally, the Commission is mandated to conduct research and development in collaboration with technical institutions, create a specific workforce to address air pollution issues, and devise action plans focusing on measures such as increasing plantation and mitigating stubble burning.
