The Parliament approved a Bill that seeks to set up a commission for air quality management in the National Capital Region and its adjoining areas.
The Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill, piloted by Mr. Yadav, states that it was noticed that there is lack of a permanent, dedicated and participative mechanism adopting a collaborative and participatory approach involving relevant central ministries, State governments, local bodies and other stakeholders to tackle air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
“It is observed that sources of air pollution, particularly in the National Capital Region, consist of a variety of factors which are beyond the local limits of the National Capital Region. Special focus is required on all sources of air pollution which are associated with different economic sectors, including power, agriculture, transport, industry, residential and construction,” it read.
Since air pollution is not a localised phenomenon, the effect is felt in areas even far away from the source, creating the need for regional-level initiatives through inter-State and inter-city coordination in addition to multi-sectorial synchronisation, the statement of objects said.
For a permanent solution and to establish a self-regulated, democratically-monitored mechanism for tackling air pollution in NCR, it was deemed necessary to take up immediate legislative measures to set up a commission for air quality management in NCR and adjoining areas, it noted.
This will replace old panels to streamline public participation, inter-State cooperation, expert involvement and persistent research and innovation, the statement of objects noted.
