Stage 3 of Graded Response Action Plan to continue in Delhi-NCR, Adjoining areas.

• In view of the increasing trend in the Air Quality Index, the Commission for Air Quality Management(CAQM) in Delhi-NCR and Adjoining areas has decided that ongoing actions implemented under Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan- GRAP will continue.
• The Commission decided that stage- 3 of the GRAP should not be withdrawn as wind conditions have not been very favorable and accordingly dispersion of air pollutants has not been very effective.
• The Sub-Committee of the Commission for invoking actions under GRAP took the decision after comprehensively reviewing the air quality scenario following the significant spike in Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index from 260 to 346 in the last two days. 

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

• Formed by an ordinance, “Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance 2020”, in October 2020.
• The Commission will be a statutory authority. It will supersede bodies such as the central and state pollution control boards of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, UP and Rajasthan.
• Composition: The new 18-member Commission brings together the Centre, states, and other stakeholders on one collaborative platform.

• • Chaired by a government official of the rank of Secretary or Chief Secretary. The chairperson will hold the post for three years or until s/he attains the age of 70 years.
  • It will also have five ex officio members who are either Chief Secretaries, or Secretaries in charge of the department dealing with environment protection in the States of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Three full time technical members.

• Powers & Jurisdiction: It will have the powers to issue directions to these state governments on issues pertaining to air pollution.

• • Exclusive jurisdiction over the NCR, including areas in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, in matters of air pollution, and will be working along with CPCB and ISRO, apart from the respective state governments.
  • The Commission will have the power to impose a fine of up to Rs 1 crore and imprisonment of up to 5 years in case its directions are contravened.