New Delhi, Aug 5: Parliament on Thursday approved a bill that seeks to set up a commission for air quality management in the National Capital Region and its adjoining areast.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, 2021, was passed in Rajya Sabha with a voice of vote amid din as opposition parties continued their protest against the Pegasus snooping matter, farm laws and other issues.
The bill was passed by Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Replying on the bill, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said, “We will be accountable to Parliament through this bill (on the issue of air pollution). It is the responsibility of central government to deal with air pollution.”
“We have made efforts to decriminalise Section 14 (which provides penalty for causing pollution) and it shall not apply to farmers burning stubble,” he said while addressing members concerned.
On the protests by members of the opposition, Yadav said, “The bill was on air pollution, but there was noise pollution in the House.”
The House also negated a resolution: “That this House disapproves the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2021 (No.4 of 2021) promulgated by the President of India on 13th April, 2021.”
Following passage in Rajya Sabha, the bill will replace the ordinance.
The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, 2021 was introduced last week in Lok Sabha. (PTI)
