CAQM Flags Implementation Gaps in Delhi-NCR Pollution Control Measures
CAQM criticizes Delhi and neighboring states for pollution control implementation failures.
Photo by Lukas Kaufmann
Key Facts
CAQM criticized Delhi, neighboring states for pollution control gaps
Delhi air quality: 'Severe' category on January 20, 2026
GRAP: Graded Response Action Plan
Complaint pendency: 47% to 100%
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology, Pollution
Link to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
Potential for questions on environmental governance, policy implementation, and inter-state cooperation
Visual Insights
More Information
Background
The issue of air pollution in Delhi-NCR has deep historical roots, stemming from rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural practices in the post-independence era. While concerns about air quality were raised as early as the 1970s, concrete policy interventions began to take shape in the 1990s with the introduction of measures like the phasing out of older vehicles and the promotion of CNG. The Supreme Court's involvement in mandating pollution control measures has been crucial, particularly through landmark judgments directing the government to take action.
The establishment of bodies like the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) and later the CAQM reflects the evolving institutional framework for addressing this persistent environmental challenge. Early efforts focused on vehicular emissions and industrial pollution, but over time, the scope has expanded to include construction, dust, and agricultural stubble burning.
Latest Developments
Recent years have seen a greater emphasis on technology-driven solutions, such as the use of air purifiers, anti-smog guns, and real-time air quality monitoring systems. The focus has also shifted towards regional cooperation, with efforts to address stubble burning in neighboring states through incentives and alternative technologies. The introduction of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019 marked a significant step towards a comprehensive national strategy to tackle air pollution.
Furthermore, there's been increasing public awareness and activism, with citizens demanding greater accountability from authorities and advocating for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations. The future outlook involves a greater integration of climate change considerations into air quality management strategies, recognizing the interconnectedness of these environmental challenges.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): 1. It was constituted as a statutory body under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. 2. It has the power to impose environmental compensation on polluting industries. 3. The CAQM's jurisdiction is limited to the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 3 is incorrect. CAQM's jurisdiction extends beyond Delhi to include NCR areas in neighboring states. Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
2. Which of the following best describes the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) implemented in Delhi-NCR to combat air pollution?
- A.A long-term plan to shift to renewable energy sources.
- B.A set of emergency measures implemented based on air quality levels.
- C.A scheme to provide financial assistance to farmers for crop diversification.
- D.A program to promote the use of public transport.
Show Answer
Answer: B
GRAP is a set of emergency measures that are implemented in stages based on the severity of air pollution levels. It is not a long-term plan or a financial assistance scheme.
3. Assertion (A): Air pollution in Delhi-NCR is a transboundary problem requiring coordinated efforts from multiple states. Reason (R): Sources of pollution, such as stubble burning and industrial emissions, originate outside the administrative boundaries of Delhi. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true, but R is false.
- D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why air pollution in Delhi-NCR is a transboundary problem.
4. Which of the following committees/commissions is/are associated with addressing air pollution issues in India? 1. Bhure Lal Committee 2. EPCA (Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority) 3. Shanta Kumar Committee Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
The Bhure Lal Committee and EPCA are associated with addressing air pollution. The Shanta Kumar Committee is related to food security and FCI restructuring.
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