CAQM Strengthens Control on Air Pollution Complaints for Faster Redressal

09 Oct 2024 CW Team

To improve accountability and streamline the handling of public complaints regarding air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has instructed the pollution control boards in the National Capital Region (NCR) to unify their complaint resolution processes.

The directive mandates that the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the NCR state pollution control boards, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) enhance their coordination and respond promptly to complaints received through social media. Once a complaint is lodged, it is required to be tagged to the CAQM and assigned to the appropriate implementing agency. These agencies must then upload their compliance status or provide justifications for any non-compliance on the same platform, tagging both the CAQM and CPCB. This measure aims to enable the commission to monitor response times and evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken by various authorities to address air pollution complaints.

A senior official from CAQM expressed that this new mechanism would facilitate quicker and more transparent resolutions of air quality-related complaints, emphasizing its importance in holding authorities accountable and addressing public concerns in real time. Additionally, the directive urges the Chief Secretaries of NCR states and the Government of NCT Delhi to inform relevant authorities about the necessity of implementing timely measures to control air pollution. The boards are also instructed to promote this complaint mechanism through diverse media channels, including social media, to encourage public participation.

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