• • A statutory body for air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
• Established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021, replacing the Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) (formed in 1998). 
• It came into effect in 2020 through an ordinance.

Structure:

• Chairperson: Senior government official (Secretary or Chief Secretary)
• 5 ex-officio members from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh; 3 full-time technical members 
• 3 members from NGOs
• Technical support from CPCB, ISRO, and NITI Aayog

• Monitor and coordinate air quality management efforts in NCR and adjoining areas
• Research sources of air pollution and propose mitigation strategies
• Implement air quality policies with state agencies
• Raise public awareness and engage communities in air quality management

Powers:

• Issue binding directions to authorities and individuals
• Restrict activities impacting air quality
• Investigate and enforce environmental pollution measures
• Take strict actions against non-compliance under the CAQM Act, 2021
• Initiate complaints and enforce regulations

PYQ:

[2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.

2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2