Team Herald
MARGAO: In response to directives issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the State government has established three specialised committees as part of its plan to address air pollution. These are the State Steering Committee (SSC) for Air Quality Monitoring (GOA-SSC), the State Air Quality Monitoring Committee (SAMC), and the District Air Quality Monitoring Committee (DAQMC).
The GOA-SSC, designed to provide strategic insight and guidance to the State's air quality monitoring and management initiatives, will operate under the leadership of Chief Secretary (CS) V Candavelou. The committee's membership includes key administrative heads: the Secretaries for Urban Development, Environment, Health and Public Works Department.
According to its Terms of Reference, the GOA-SSC holds a specific mandate to review the implementation progress of the State Air Quality Monitoring Committee within a three-month timeframe. Following this review, the committee must submit detailed findings and recommendations to the government for necessary action, with copies forwarded to both the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB).
The SAQMC, another crucial component of this framework, carries multiple responsibilities. Chaired by the CS, with the Secretary for Urban Development serving as a member, the committee includes the same departmental secretaries as the GOA-SSC: Environment, Health, and Public Works. Its primary duties include overseeing the State Action Plan implementation, reviewing air quality monitoring progress, and advising the government on effective pollution control measures.
The SAQMC's Terms of Reference outline specific obligations: preparing the State Action Plan for air quality and conducting biannual meetings to review implementation status. The committee bears responsibility for daily monitoring and implementation of the Action Plan, ensuring effective execution of identified and entrusted activities. Additionally, it must develop and oversee an effective Public Grievance Redressal System specifically for air pollution-related complaints.
Meanwhile, at the grassroots level, the district-focused DAQMCs in North and South Goa will bring accountability to the ground, each chaired by their respective District Collectors. The committees, which also include the district police superintendents and traffic authorities, will monitor local air quality measures, organising public awareness campaigns to foster clean air habits and sustainable practices. Regular quarterly reports will keep the SAMC updated on local initiatives and progress.