Strict law to curb air pollution in Delhi-NCR, 5 years jail, fine of Rs 1 crore

New Delhi, Thursday 29 October 2020

The new law has been enacted with immediate effect by a central government ordinance to tackle the problem of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Violation of its rules carries a jail term of up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, the law and justice ministry said on Thursday. Ordinance has been issued.

The ministry said the ordinance would remain in force for the Commission for Air Quality Management in the NCR and the Associated Areas Ordinance 2020, applicable to the National Area (NCR) and adjoining areas. The ordinance has been signed.

According to the ordinance, the areas adjoining Delhi where it applies include Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and areas adjacent to Uttar Pradesh and Delhi-NCR, where there is currently a high level of pollution, which has been responsible for deteriorating air quality in the capital. A commission of 20 members will be formed to enforce the law.

Violators of the orders and instructions issued by the commission could face up to five years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore, the ministry said. Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has termed the commission set up to curb the rising deadly air pollution in and around the national capital as important.

It may be mentioned here that the pollution problem in Delhi-NCR has become serious, the air quality figure was 402 till 2 pm on Thursday, which is considered dangerous for human health.