The Central Pollution Control Board’s Central Air Quality Management (CAQM) committee has recently ordered the shutdown of 16 industrial units in the National Capital Region (NCR) to combat the alarming decline in air quality. This decision highlights the growing concerns over pollution levels, which have reached dangerous thresholds, affecting public health and the environment.
For UPSC aspirants, understanding such developments is crucial as they reflect the intersection of environmental policy, governance, and public health—key areas often covered in the General Studies papers and the Essay section. The NCR’s deteriorating air quality has been a persistent problem, driven by industrial emissions alongside vehicular pollution and crop residue burning in neighboring states.
The CAQM’s intervention through shutdowns underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing stricter environmental regulations. This move aligns with various national initiatives such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), aiming to reduce particulate matter levels significantly by 2024.
Studying this issue provides valuable insights into the challenges of balancing industrial growth with sustainable development—a critical theme in contemporary governance discussions. UPSC candidates should analyze such policies and their socio-economic impacts thoroughly to prepare for questions related to environmental management and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
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