CAQM Urges Delhi and NCR to Tackle Air Pollution Complaints Efficiently
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has instructed pollution control authorities in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) to enhance their efforts in addressing public complaints about air quality. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), NCR State Pollution Control Boards, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) are now required to tag CAQM on social media when they receive complaints. This will help CAQM monitor how quickly and effectively these complaints are handled.
This directive is timely as winter approaches, a season notorious for worsening air quality in Delhi due to smog. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change emphasized the need for streamlined efforts to address these issues. Authorities must also upload compliance updates or reasons for non-compliance on social media, tagging CAQM and CPCB.
The initiative aims to ensure timely resolution of air pollution complaints through better monitoring and accountability. NCR State Pollution Control Boards and DPCC are tasked with promoting this complaint mechanism widely, including on social media. Additionally, Chief Secretaries of NCR State Governments and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) are urged to sensitize relevant authorities about pollution control measures.
Recently, the Supreme Court criticized CAQM for not effectively controlling stubble burning around Delhi, highlighting the need for more proactive measures.
Doubts Revealed
CAQM -: CAQM stands for the Commission for Air Quality Management. It is a government body in India responsible for improving air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas.
NCR -: NCR stands for National Capital Region. It includes Delhi and nearby areas in the states of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Air Pollution -: Air pollution is when harmful substances like smoke, dust, and chemicals are present in the air, making it unhealthy to breathe. It is a big problem in cities like Delhi, especially during winter.
Stubble Burning -: Stubble burning is when farmers set fire to the leftover crop stalks in their fields after harvest. This practice is common in Punjab and Haryana and contributes to air pollution in Delhi.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions on legal issues and can direct government bodies to take action on matters like air pollution.
