The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its lack of decisive action in curbing air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). During a hearing on Friday, a bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and A G Masih pointed out the commission’s failure to form committees or take concrete steps as mandated by the CAQM Act.
Expressing concern over the commission’s inaction, Justice Oka remarked, “There has been total non-compliance of the Act. Have committees been constituted? Please show us a single step taken, which directions have you used under the Act?” He further added, “It is all in the air, nothing they have showed as to what they have said to the NCR States.”
Supreme Court’s Frustration with CAQM
The court’s frustration stemmed from the CAQM’s inability to demonstrate any significant progress or issue clear directives to curb pollution, particularly in relation to monitoring air quality and addressing problems like stubble burning. Justice Oka criticized the lack of specific directions under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, which outlines the commission’s powers to issue orders and enforce measures to improve air quality.
CAQM’s Response
CAQM chairman Rajesh Verma, who recently assumed his position, informed the Supreme Court that the commission meets once every three months. However, the bench questioned whether this frequency was sufficient to address the pressing issue of air pollution in the NCR. The court further inquired about th
The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its lack of decisive action in curbing air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). During a hearing on Friday, a bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and A G Masih pointed out the commission’s failure to form committees or take concrete steps as mandated by the CAQM Act.
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Expressing concern over the commission’s inaction, Justice Oka remarked, “There has been total non-compliance of the Act. Have committees been constituted? Please show us a single step taken, which directions have you used under the Act?” He further added, “It is all in the air, nothing they have showed as to what they have said to the NCR States.”
Supreme Court’s Frustration with CAQM
The court’s frustration stemmed from the CAQM’s inability to demonstrate any significant progress or issue clear directives to curb pollution, particularly in relation to monitoring air quality and addressing problems like stubble burning. Justice Oka criticized the lack of specific directions under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, which outlines the commission’s powers to issue orders and enforce measures to improve air quality.
CAQM’s Response
CAQM chairman Rajesh Verma, who recently assumed his position, informed the Supreme Court that the commission meets once every three months. However, the bench questioned whether this frequency was sufficient to address the pressing issue of air pollution in the NCR. The court further inquired about the effectiveness of decisions taken by the commission and whether incidents of stubble burning—a significant contributor to pollution in the region—were decreasing.
Action Against Officials
The court also asked what actions had been taken against officials responsible for ensuring compliance with anti-pollution measures. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the central government, explained that Verma had only joined the commission two weeks ago, implying that more time may be needed to assess his leadership.
Ongoing Concerns
This criticism comes at a time when air pollution in the NCR has reached alarming levels, particularly during the winter months when factors like crop residue burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial activities contribute to severe smog and hazardous air quality.
The Supreme Court’s scrutiny reflects growing frustration over the lack of concrete steps by the CAQM to implement solutions for the long-standing issue of pollution, which continues to affect millions of residents in the NCR.
e effectiveness of decisions taken by the commission and whether incidents of stubble burning—a significant contributor to pollution in the region—were decreasing.
Action Against Officials
The court also asked what actions had been taken against officials responsible for ensuring compliance with anti-pollution measures. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the central government, explained that Verma had only joined the commission two weeks ago, implying that more time may be needed to assess his leadership.
Ongoing Concerns
This criticism comes at a time when air pollution in the NCR has reached alarming levels, particularly during the winter months when factors like crop residue burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial activities contribute to severe smog and hazardous air quality.
The Supreme Court’s scrutiny reflects growing frustration over the lack of concrete steps by the CAQM to implement solutions for the long-standing issue of pollution, which continues to affect millions of residents in the NCR.
