Higher Budget Allocation for CAQM Must Be Used Properly

The government has allocated ₹11,039 crore for the Agnipath scheme for short-term induction of soldiers in the three services in the defence budget 2025-26, an increase of more than 32% over the revised estimates last year to cater for the growing numbers, documents show.

- Bharati Chaturvedi

DELHI: The Union Budget increased the allocation to the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) from ₹16 crore to nearly ₹39 crore this year. What should the commission, with its many failings, thus prioritize?

I would suggest thinking of need-based solutions. Delhi and its neighbourhood are among the most polluted cities where air quality is monitored. Yet, they cannot be improved without collaborative work across the air-quality initiatives they are a part of.

The CAQM must hold this as a central principle. Even the increased budget is modest, but it can be used for two big shifts. First, to identify the top most impactful actions across the air-quality spectrum and detailing plans for cross-border mitigation.

Whether it is for cross-border public transport, testing construction norms or pre-fab facilities, or preventing waste burning—we need joint action. A robust plan is the first step to allocate funds for the change and create a working rapport. Securing key actors could be harnessed as resources for behavioural change amongst the public.