PANAJI
Following directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Goa government has initiated a process to draft a State-specific action plan to fight and control air pollution.
The State government has constituted a 13-member State Air Quality Monitoring Committee (SAQMC) under Secretary Environment to prepare a State Action Plan for Air Quality Management for Goa.
The Committee will not only advise the government on air pollution control and management issues but will propose policy intervention and mitigation measures for better air quality. It has to also ensure the strengthening of the air quality monitoring network with the State.
“The SAQMC shall bring emission reduction target for the State of Goa in line with the Government of India mandate,” reads the notification issued by Director Environment Johnson Fernandes adding that wherever required, Source Apportionment studies would be undertaken on the advice of the committee.
The Committee has to facilitate the new clean energy projects and other financial incentives to promote renewable energy and climate resilience in the State.
“The policy brought forth by the committee and action tackling air pollution should have a direct positive impact on population health,” the notification stated.
The Committee has to implement the National Emissions Trading System including various national policies issued/notified by the Government of India for the promotion of clean air, and sustainable livelihood in the State.
The state action plan was to be formulated under the nationwide National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in January 2019. Following the NGT intervention, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has come up with guidelines for the formulation of the action plan.
Meanwhile, a State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) under the Chief Secretary is also constituted to review the progress of implementation of the Action plan and functioning of the SAQMC.
