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Air Quality Awards: CAQM to Rank NCR Cities
7 Oct
Summary
- CAQM plans new rankings for NCR cities on air quality performance.
- Index will award cities for pollution reduction and action plans.
- Penalties are also considered for cities failing to meet targets.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is developing a new air quality index to rank cities across the National Capital Region (NCR) and Punjab. This initiative, similar to the Union Environment Ministry's Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, will award cities for their efforts in reducing pollution and implementing local action plans.
According to CAQM member secretary Tarun Pithode, the index will calculate a weighted average based on progress made. It will examine reductions in particulate matter and actions taken against diverse pollution sources, aiming to provide a holistic assessment and incentivize positive environmental changes.
In addition to awards, the CAQM is determined to penalize underperforming cities. Notices have already been issued to officials in Gurugram and Ghaziabad regarding their failure to act against pollution, with further action pending their assurance of remedial measures.
This new ranking system follows the Union Environment Ministry's Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, which ranks 130 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities based on pollution reduction efforts. Lucknow, Rourkela, and Kalinga Nagar were highlighted in recent rankings for their achievements in particulate matter reduction and comprehensive pollution control measures.
