CAQM: An In-depth Overview

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) is an autonomous body created by the Government of India to oversee the management of air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the surrounding areas. Established in 2020, the commission aims to address the increasingly severe air pollution issues in Delhi and its neighboring states, which have long been notorious for their poor air quality, especially during winter months. In October 2024, the CAQM empowered district authorities in Rajasthan, along with other states in the National Capital Region (NCR), to prosecute officials for inaction on stubble burning enforcement. This measure aims to enhance accountability and ensure effective implementation of air quality management strategies. Additionally, the CAQM directed industries in NCR areas of Rajasthan to switch to cleaner fuels to reduce air pollution. Non-compliance with this directive could result in the closure of such industries.

Background and Formation of CAQM

The need for an institutional body dedicated to managing air quality in the NCR arose from the escalating pollution levels and their detrimental impacts on public health, economic activities, and the environment. The NCR, which includes parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, has faced air quality crises due to a variety of factors such as vehicular emissions, industrial activity, crop-burning, and construction dust. According to studies, air pollution contributes to a high incidence of respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and even premature deaths, making the situation a public health emergency.

Before the establishment of CAQM, air quality management in the NCR was overseen by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). However, air pollution being a multi-state issue, these agencies had limited jurisdiction and resources, which often hindered effective action. To address these challenges, the Government of India formed the CAQM through the Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.

Mandate and Functions of CAQM

CAQM’s primary mandate is to improve air quality across the NCR and its adjoining areas. This involves the creation and implementation of policies, regulations, and guidelines aimed at controlling air pollution from various sources. The body is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the efforts of different states and agencies involved in air quality management.

Some of the key functions of CAQM are as follows:

1. Monitoring Air Quality: CAQM is responsible for maintaining an air quality monitoring network across the NCR. It collaborates with other government agencies to ensure regular monitoring and reporting of air pollution levels. This helps in assessing air quality trends, identifying pollution hotspots, and formulating action plans.
2. Coordinating State Governments: Air pollution does not recognize state boundaries, and as such, pollution originating from one state can affect neighboring regions. CAQM coordinates the actions of the various state governments in the NCR and adjoining areas to develop joint strategies for addressing regional air pollution. This includes aligning policies for vehicle emission standards, industrial regulations, and waste management practices.
3. Implementing Control Measures: Based on the data gathered from monitoring systems, CAQM takes appropriate action to curb air pollution. It implements measures such as controlling vehicular emissions, reducing industrial emissions, encouraging the use of cleaner fuels, regulating crop burning, and promoting energy-efficient practices in construction and agriculture.
4. Air Quality Index (AQI) System: CAQM manages the Air Quality Index (AQI) for the NCR. The AQI is a tool that measures the level of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. It helps in informing the public about the air quality status and guides them on health precautions.
5. Public Awareness and Engagement: Raising awareness about the dangers of air pollution and involving the public in clean air initiatives is another critical function of CAQM. The commission conducts campaigns to educate citizens about air pollution sources, health impacts, and ways to mitigate pollution.
6. Legislation and Regulations: CAQM is empowered to draft and enforce regulations concerning emissions, industrial practices, and other areas that contribute to air pollution. It works closely with agencies such as the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and CPCB to strengthen environmental laws and ensure compliance.
7. Research and Data Analysis: CAQM supports scientific research to understand the sources, causes, and impacts of air pollution. It collaborates with academic institutions, think tanks, and research bodies to develop effective pollution control technologies and policies.
8. Management of Seasonal Pollution Peaks: The commission is also tasked with formulating plans for managing pollution spikes during the winter months, especially when air quality deteriorates significantly due to factors like stubble burning, low wind speeds, and meteorological conditions.

Key Strategies Employed by CAQM

The commission implements a variety of strategies to combat air pollution:

1. Stubble Burning Management: One of the major contributors to pollution in the NCR is stubble burning, particularly in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana. CAQM has worked with state governments to promote alternative methods of crop residue management, such as using machines for in-situ burning, promoting bio-decomposers, and incentivizing farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices.
2. Transport and Vehicular Emissions: The commission focuses on reducing emissions from vehicles, which is a significant source of pollution in the NCR. It promotes the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the use of cleaner fuels like CNG, and stricter enforcement of pollution standards for vehicles. CAQM also works on the promotion of public transport to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road.
3. Industrial Regulations: Industrial emissions contribute substantially to the region’s air pollution levels. CAQM works to ensure that industries comply with emissions norms by monitoring their air quality records and imposing penalties for violations. It also encourages industries to adopt cleaner technologies and fuel sources.
4. Dust Control Measures: Construction activities and road dust are also major sources of particulate matter. CAQM has introduced guidelines for dust control at construction sites, including the use of water sprays, dust nets, and the covering of materials to prevent dust from spreading.
5. Promotion of Renewable Energy: CAQM advocates for the transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, which are a major contributor to air pollution.

Challenges Faced by CAQM

Despite its ambitious goals and efforts, CAQM faces several challenges in its mission to improve air quality:

1. Coordination Between States: Air pollution is a transboundary issue, and effective management requires collaboration between multiple states. Disparate policies and the lack of political will in some states can hinder coordinated efforts.
2. Enforcement of Regulations: CAQM’s ability to enforce its regulations is limited by the resources at its disposal. The commission depends on local authorities and police to implement its guidelines, which may not always be effective due to insufficient manpower or political interference.
3. Public Awareness and Participation: Although CAQM works on public awareness campaigns, convincing citizens and industries to adopt environmentally friendly practices can be challenging. Many people remain unaware of the long-term health risks of air pollution, and industries are often reluctant to bear the costs of compliance.
4. Technological and Financial Constraints: While there have been significant advances in air quality monitoring technologies, their widespread implementation and adoption across all regions remain a challenge. Similarly, the financial investment required to implement large-scale pollution control projects is significant, and funding can be a constraint.

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) plays a crucial role in addressing the pressing air pollution issues in the National Capital Region and its surrounding states. By taking a coordinated approach, enforcing regulations, and promoting cleaner technologies, the CAQM aims to improve air quality, protect public health, and contribute to a sustainable environment. However, the commission’s success will depend on its ability to overcome the many challenges it faces, including inter-state coordination, public engagement, and the availability of resources. Ultimately, the efforts of CAQM represent a vital step towards ensuring cleaner air for future generations.