Recent Directives by the CAQM: A New Era in Air Quality Governance for NCR

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Recent Directives by the CAQM: A New Era in Air Quality Governance for NCR

By Adv. Abhishek Jat

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, has issued a series of critical directives in June 2025 to address persistent air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). These mandates represent a significant regulatory shift, targeting vehicular emissions, waste management, and inter-state policy coordination to improve ambient air quality.

Regulatory Developments

1. Transition to Clean Mobility

In a landmark move, the CAQM has mandated that all aggregators and e-commerce entities operating within NCR must exclusively induct compressed natural gas (CNG) or electric three-wheeler autorickshaws from 2026 onwards. The registration of new diesel or petrol vehicles in specified categories is prohibited, compelling a systemic transition to cleaner transport alternatives. NCR states are tasked with formulating and enforcing policies to ensure compliance with these directives (Press Information Bureau, Dated: 04.06.2025

2. Emission Standards for Interstate Buses

The CAQM has further stipulated that, effective November 2026, all buses entering Delhi under various permit regimes must operate on Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) diesel, CNG, or electric powertrains. This directive, however, exempts buses registered within Delhi, focusing on curbing emissions from interstate vehicular movement during critical pollution episodes, particularly in winter (Press Information Bureau, Dated: 04.06.2025

3. Waste Management and Fire Prevention

Addressing another major pollution vector, the CAQM has issued comprehensive instructions to mitigate air quality deterioration caused by the burning of municipal solid waste, biomass, and landfill fires. The directives emphasize robust waste management protocols, fire prevention strategies, and enhanced surveillance, with a strong focus on accountability among local authorities (Press Information Bureau, Dated: 03.06.2025

Legal and Administrative Framework

The CAQM, as a statutory authority, wields extensive powers under its founding legislation. Its directives override conflicting orders from state governments or pollution control boards, ensuring uniformity in air quality management across the NCR and adjoining states. The Commission’s actions are binding and enforceable, with non-compliance attracting statutory penalties.

Notable Case Law and Judicial Oversight

While the recent directives are administrative in nature, they operate within the broader legal landscape shaped by the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence on environmental protection, notably the “MC Mehta v. Union of India” series, which has consistently underscored the right to a clean environment as a facet of Article 21 of the Constitution. The CAQM’s powers and actions are thus aligned with constitutional mandates and judicial pronouncements on environmental governance.

Conclusion

The recent measures by the CAQM mark a pivotal step in the evolution of air quality management in the NCR. By mandating cleaner mobility, stringent waste management, and inter-agency coordination, the Commission is operationalizing a holistic and enforceable framework for pollution abatement. These initiatives, underpinned by statutory authority and judicial endorsement, are poised to set new benchmarks in urban environmental governance.

Glossary

  • CAQM: Commission for Air Quality Management
  • NCR: National Capital Region
  • CNG: Compressed Natural Gas
  • BS-VI: Bharat Stage VI (latest emission standard for vehicles in India)
  • Ambient Air Quality: The quality of air in the surrounding environment
  • Statutory Authority: An organization created by law with regulatory powers
  • Permit Regimes: Legal frameworks governing the entry and operation of vehicles
  • Municipal Solid Waste: Everyday waste generated by households and businesses

Author: Adv. Abhishek Jat

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and academic purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified legal professional for advice regarding specific legal issues or cases. The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not represent the official position of any organization or institution.
Copyright Notice: © 2025 Abhishek Jat, Advocate. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author. Unauthorized use or reproduction of this material is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

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