Current Context :Recently, Supreme Court  directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider relaxing the restrictions on physical classes of schools, colleges and educational institutions in Delhi-NCR, which were imposed last week due to severe air pollution.

About Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):

• It is a statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021.
• Mandate: To coordinate, research, and resolve air quality issues in Delhi-NCR and surrounding regions (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh).

Powers:

• Restrict activities causing pollution.
• Conduct studies and enforce measures to prevent and control pollution.
• Issue binding directives to concerned authorities.

Structure:

• Led by a Chairperson with a 3-year term or until 70 years of age.
• Includes ex-officio members from environmental departments of Delhi and neighboring states.
• Direct accountability to Parliament.
• Plays a central role in enforcing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for pollution control.