Strengthening Air Quality Governance: CAQM’s Enforcement Drive in the NCR

From a governance perspective, this drive reflects the shift toward proactive, field-based monitoring rather than relying solely on self-reporting by industries. However, the success of such operations depends on the sustained coordination between the CAQM, state pollution control boards, and local municipal authorities. The challenge lies in balancing industrial growth and employment generation with the constitutional mandate of providing a clean and healthy environment under Article 21. As the CAQM continues to tighten its oversight, the focus must remain on long-term compliance mechanisms, such as the adoption of cleaner fuel technologies and the formalization of industrial clusters, to ensure that enforcement actions lead to lasting improvements in air quality. UPSC Relevance: This topic is highly relevant for GS Paper II (Statutory Bodies) and GS Paper III (Environmental Pollution). Aspirants should analyze the role of the CAQM in federal environmental governance and how it coordinates with state agencies to address transboundary pollution issues. It serves as a pertinent case study for questions regarding the efficacy of regulatory bodies in managing urban environmental crises.