CAQM targets industries & transport to control air pollution in Delhi NCR

New Delhi, July 13 (KNN) The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has formulated a Comprehensive Policy which contains sector wise recommendations for industries, transportation etc., to curb air pollution in Delhi NCR.

It is a step towards overall improvement of the air quality of the NCR through differentiated geographical approach and timelines of action.

This policy contains sector-wise recommendations for all the authorities at Centre and State level to prevent, control and abate air pollution in the NCR including industries, vehicles/ transport, construction and demolition (C&D), dust from roads and open areas, municipal solid waste burning, crop residue burning etc., said the statement.

It also deals with thermal power plants (TPPs), clean fuels & electric mobility, public transportation, road traffic management, diesel generators (DGs), bursting of fire crackers and abating air pollution through greening and plantation.

Owing to a deficit in infrastructure and systems across sub-regions of the NCR, wide variations in baseline actions, and varying levels of urbanization, a differentiated approach and timelines have been suggested for various sub-regions.

These sub-regions include NCT of Delhi and the NCR districts near Delhi — Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Baghpat and other NCR districts.

The entire state of Punjab and the non-NCR districts of Haryana, primarily for addressing episodic events of stubble burning

The Expert Group apart from taking into account the suggestions received also reviewed and examined the existing scientific literature, relevant policies, regulations, programmes and funding strategies of the Central and State Governments in various sectors, the current status of action and best practice approaches.

Suggestions received were from civil society, research bodies, industry, experts, academia, individuals, etc. and related to mitigation in the key sectors of air pollution, air quality management, monitoring framework and institutional strengthening for implementation.

The Expert Group, considering the issues and complexities involved, has suggested short-term (up to one year), medium term (one-three years), and long term (three-five years, preferably) actions.

This timeframe is further differentiated for different sub regions/areas/districts/cities to provide the space for all to transform to meet the common air quality goal.

The Commission has already shared this policy with the Central Government Ministries / Departments, NCR State Governments, GNCTD and various agencies for taking comprehensive action on the policy to curb air pollution in NCR.  (KNN Bureau)