Apex court allows CAQM to take ‘proactive’ steps to keep air pollution in check in Delhi, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court has granted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) autonomy to implement proactive measures to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
• CAQM proposed incorporating Stage IV GRAP measures, such as work from home, into the existing Stage III to combat pollution.
• The court directed CAQM to address the issue of schools holding sports events during peak pollution months.
• The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for December 10.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of consulting stakeholders before implementing any measures to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness.
• CAQM recommended exempting BS-III emission vehicles from an earlier court order that protected older vehicles, indicating a move towards stricter emission controls.
• The court acknowledged concerns about children's exposure to pollution during school sports events, directing CAQM to issue necessary directives to states.
• The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR based on air quality levels, with progressively stricter actions at each stage.

Environmental Directives

Key Concepts Involved:

• CAQM: A statutory body responsible for air quality management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.
• GRAP: A set of measures to be taken to reduce air pollution based on pre-determined air quality levels.
• Amicus Curiae: An impartial advisor to a court of law in a particular case.