Context

• The Supreme Court issued a direction to the Chairman of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to file an affidavit on the steps taken to control air pollution caused by stubble burning.
• CAQM is a statutory body established by the Government of India to monitor and manage air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
• It was created in response to the growing air pollution problem in Delhi and its adjoining areas.

Functions:

• Coordinating actions taken by the concerned State Governments (Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) on air pollution.
• Formulating and implementing plans to prevent and control air pollution in NCR.
• Providing a framework for identifying air pollutants and their sources.
• Conducting research and development through networking with technical institutions.
• Training and creating a specialised task force to deal with issues related to air pollution.
• Formulating action plans such as increasing tree plantation and addressing stubble burning.

Structure:

• Chairman: The highest authority in CAQM (Current Chairman: Rajesh Verma)
• Members: Representatives of various stakeholders like Union Ministries and ISRO too.
• Secretariat: The administrative organ of CAQM
• Technical Advisory Committee: Provides technical advice and recommendations.
• Regional Coordination Committee: Coordinates activities at the regional level.

Powers:

• Regulatory powers: Coordinating actions, planning, providing frameworks, conducting research, providing training and preparing action plans.
• Enforcement powers: Issuing directions, hearing complaints, banning industries, conducting inspections, closing down industries and cutting off their water and electricity supplies.
• Other powers: collecting and analysing data, providing technical assistance and raising public awareness.