Centre sets up Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region

Centre has set up the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region to curb air pollution in Delhi and adjoining areas. In an ordinance approved by President Ram Nath Kovind last evening, the new central body will replace the over 2-decade old Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA), which was responsible for curbing pollution.

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Key-Points

The Commission will have at least three sub-committees including on Monitoring and identification, Safeguarding and Enforcement and Research and Development to suggest measures to curb air pollution in the region.

It will consist of a Chairperson, a representative from the Ministry of Environment, members from the state of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, technical experts from Central Pollution Control Board and Indian Space Research Organization among others.

The commission will work towards better coordination, research, identification and resolution of problems surrounding the Air Quality Index in the NCR and adjoining areas.

The commission will have the powers to take all such measures, issue directions and entertain complaints in order to protect and improve the quality of air in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.

It will also lay down the parameters for emission or discharge of environmental pollutants from various sources.