People in the Delhi is not happy with Centre’s pollution commission – CJI

Why is it in News?
  • People of Delhi is not happy with Centre’s commission for curbing the pollution due to stubble burning in the neighboring states.
Details:
  • Centre stand in SC:
(1) Continuous improvement of air quality since 2016
(2) Stubble burning has considerably reduced
(3) Days marked with ‘good’, ‘satisfactory’ and ‘moderate’ pollution had increased to 182 in 2019 against 108 in 2016.
(4) Continuous decline of annual concentration of PM since 2016.
(5) In 2019, PM levels reduced by 10%.
  • Centre has set up the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region to curb air pollution in Delhi and adjoining areas through ordinance route.
  • It will replace the over 2-decade old Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA), which was responsible for curbing pollution.
  • Commission:
(1) It will have 18 members.
(2) Commission will comprise of representatives from the Union Ministries of Environment and Forests, Road Transport, Commerce, Science & Technology, Power and Agriculture.
(3) It will also comprise of the Union Cabinet Secretary, bureaucrats from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana; and members from ISRO, CPCB  and the NIC.
(4) The Commission can lay down guidelines, and ask state governments to curb pollution and stubble burning.
(5) It is empowered to inspect any premises, order disconnection of water and electric supply, or close down any industry causing pollution.
(6) The central body will have to submit a yearly report in Parliament.
(7) Its orders can be challenged only in the National Green Tribunal (NGT), and no other civil court.





Posted by Jawwad Kazi on 18th Dec 2020