Supreme Court seeks Centre's response on air pollution proposal

While environmental regulation is primarily the government's responsibility, the Supreme Court intervenes when there's a perceived failure in the executive's duty to protect citizens' fundamental rights, particularly the right to life (Article 21), which includes the right to a clean environment. The court uses its powers under Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies) to ensure these rights are upheld.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was constituted by an Act of Parliament. It has the power to coordinate efforts between states, implement measures to reduce pollution levels, and make recommendations to the government. The Environment Protection Act of 1986 also provides a framework for environmental regulation.

A 'critically examine' question requires a balanced approach. You should acknowledge CAQM's positive contributions (coordination, recommendations) but also point out limitations (implementation challenges, lack of enforcement powers, dependence on state cooperation). Consider including diverse perspectives, such as those of industries affected by CAQM's directives.

UPSC might frame a question like: 'Consider the following statements regarding the CAQM proposal: 1. It recommends shutting down all coal-based plants within 500 km of Delhi. 2. The proposal is binding on all states.' The correct answer is 'Neither 1 nor 2' because the distance is 300 km, and the SC is only seeking responses, not enforcing anything yet. examTip: Pay close attention to specific numbers and qualifying words like 'all,' 'only,' 'must'.

This proposal aligns with India's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, as pledged in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. Shifting away from coal-based industries and power plants directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to India's climate goals.

The economic consequences could be significant, including: * Job losses in the affected industries. * Disruption of supply chains. * Increased costs for businesses relocating. * Potential for economic slowdown in the short term. However, there could also be long-term benefits such as improved public health and a transition to more sustainable industries.

• •Job losses in the affected industries.
• •Disruption of supply chains.
• •Increased costs for businesses relocating.
• •Potential for economic slowdown in the short term.
• •However, there could also be long-term benefits such as improved public health and a transition to more sustainable industries.

Arguments against include: * Potential energy shortages if alternative sources aren't readily available. * Increased electricity costs, impacting consumers and industries. * Economic hardship for regions dependent on coal mining and related activities. * Concerns about the reliability and stability of renewable energy sources as replacements.

• •Potential energy shortages if alternative sources aren't readily available.
• •Increased electricity costs, impacting consumers and industries.
• •Economic hardship for regions dependent on coal mining and related activities.
• •Concerns about the reliability and stability of renewable energy sources as replacements.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR based on air quality levels. The CAQM's recommendations aim to provide a more long-term and sustainable solution to air pollution, while GRAP is a short-term, reactive measure. CAQM's suggestions could lead to revisions or enhancements in the GRAP over time.

The Union Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Power, and Petroleum have been asked to respond. This is because: * Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Oversees environmental regulations and policies. * Power: Regulates the power sector, including thermal power plants. * Petroleum: Deals with the supply and distribution of petroleum products, a source of vehicular emissions.

• •Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Oversees environmental regulations and policies.
• •Power: Regulates the power sector, including thermal power plants.
• •Petroleum: Deals with the supply and distribution of petroleum products, a source of vehicular emissions.

Yes, the Supreme Court's directives regarding Delhi-NCR often set a precedent for environmental regulations in other cities facing similar air pollution challenges. If the measures are deemed successful, they could be replicated or adapted for implementation in other polluted areas. This case also highlights the SC's willingness to intervene on environmental issues, which may encourage similar petitions from other cities.