The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has taken pollution in Delhi-NCR as a prime topic for scrutiny in its agenda for 2024-25. Since the air quality in the region is persistently placed in the “very poor” and “severe” categories, the issue has gained prominence. This was highlighted in a recent bulletin by the Rajya Sabha, which also detailed other critical environmental and scientific matters to be addressed by the panel.
The committee will meet on December 4 to discuss measures to combat pollution, with a special focus on air and water quality in Delhi-NCR. The measures the capital region is taking to arrest deteriorating air pollution will be known by members of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi dropped in alarming categories throughout November, with many days being classified as “severe” or “severe plus,” which shows urgency. Delhi’s AQI on Friday, November 29, was 329, which falls in the “very poor” category, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The panel will look into climate-resilient crops for mitigating the impacts of climate change on food security in India. The effort will help ensure long-term agricultural sustainability against rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. The committee will also assess the role of the Department of Science and Technology in implementing the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), focusing on innovation and research for environmental preservation.
Moreover, the committee will investigate the performance and contributions of scientific organizations and laboratories under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Some of the topics included are marine pollution management as well as advancements in research into nuclear medicine. It represents an integrated approach to solving issues ranging from immediate environmental concerns to broad scientific challenges facing the nation.
Conclusion
The focus of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the pollution and related environmental issues of Delhi-NCR underlines the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions. With the levels of pollution continuing to deteriorate, government agencies and scientific institutions must work together to create sustainable solutions. By addressing these critical issues, the panel aims to advance both environmental protection and scientific innovation in India.
Source: PTI