The Indian Parliament has taken a significant step towards addressing the persistent problem of air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) by passing the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, 2021. This legislation aims to establish a centralized commission with the primary goal of consolidating multiple agencies that monitor and manage air quality into one unified body. The initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of air quality management in the region, ensuring prompt action against environmental degradation. Moreover, the Bill is designed to alleviate the burden on the Supreme Court of India, which has been actively involved in monitoring pollution levels through numerous cases.
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Creation of the Commission
The central feature of the Bill is the creation of the Commission for Air Quality Management. This body will serve as the chief authority in the NCR and its adjoining areas for all matters related to air quality. It will supersede organizations that currently have overlapping jurisdictions, leading to more streamlined and focused efforts. The commission will have the power to issue directions and take up matters suo motu (on its own) concerning prevention, control, and abatement of air pollution.
Powers and Functions of the Commission
The Commission for Air Quality Management will be vested with several powers and functions to tackle air pollution effectively. These include the ability to conduct research and innovation, plan and execute policies, and standardize protocols for air quality monitoring across the NCR. The commission will also have the authority to enforce laws and regulations pertaining to air pollution and take punitive measures against non-compliance. Its jurisdiction will extend to the coordination of activities and resolution of disputes among the states within the NCR, ensuring a cohesive approach to managing air quality.
Composition of the Commission
The Commission will be composed of members from various sectors, including government officials, experts in the field of air quality management, and representatives from stakeholder organizations. It will be chaired by a government-appointed official with a proven track record in the field of environmental management or a related discipline. The diverse composition of the commission is intended to bring together different perspectives and expertise to address the complex issue of air pollution.
Accountability and Transparency Measures
To maintain accountability and transparency, the Commission will be required to prepare annual reports detailing its activities, decisions, and the overall status of air quality in the NCR. These reports will be presented to the Parliament, thereby subjecting the Commission’s work to legislative scrutiny. Furthermore, the Bill mandates that the Commission operates with a degree of transparency, allowing for public and stakeholder engagement in its processes.
Impact on Existing Bodies
The establishment of the new Commission will have significant implications for existing bodies such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state-level Pollution Control Boards (PCBs). While these organizations will continue to operate, their roles will be redefined to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure that they function within the framework set by the Commission. This realignment is expected to create a more efficient and targeted approach to managing air quality.
Legal Authority and Enforcement
The Commission for Air Quality Management will not only have advisory capabilities but will also possess the legal authority to enforce its directives. It will be empowered to take cognizance of non-compliance with its orders and to impose penalties as deemed necessary. The establishment of this body signifies a move towards a more centralized and authoritative system for managing air pollution, with the expectation that it will lead to more decisive and timely action against violators.
Through the passing of this Bill, the Indian government demonstrates its commitment to tackling the severe air pollution crisis in the NCR. By establishing a dedicated commission with broad powers and responsibilities, there is an anticipation of more coherent and effective strategies to improve air quality and protect public health in one of the country’s most densely populated regions.