To control pollution, the central government introduced a new ordinance, violation cause you imprisonment for 5 years or penalty of Rs. 1 crore. A promulgated ordinance by the Ministry of Law and Justice said that violating the provisions could lead to a jail term of up to five years or a fine of one crore rupees or both simultaneously. 

It added that the ordinance would be called “Commission Ordinance 2020 for air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its associated areas”. This will be applicable to the National Capital Region and surrounding areas where there are issues related to air pollution. The ordinance has been signed by the President. According to the ordinance, the areas connected to Delhi and NCR and adjoining areas where it will be applicable include Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The commission will have 20 members, who will ensure strict adherence to its rules. It said that not following any of the provisions or rules or orders or instructions of the Commission would be a punishable offense for which there could be a five-year jail sentence or a fine of Rs one crore or both. There will also be a chairman of the commission.

The commission will have two full-time members who will be joint secretaries of the central government. In addition, there will be three full-time independent technical members with scientific knowledge on air pollution. There will also be a technical member of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and ISRO will nominate a technical member.

There will also be three members of the NGO having experience in preventing air pollution. The Commission may also appoint associate members. The commission will have three sub-committees with one each in surveillance and identification, security and enforcement and research and development. 

The Commission will have the authority to take cognizance of cases, hear complaints, issue orders for redressal under the existing laws like the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981, and Environment (Protection) Act 1986. The commission will have the authority to ban any activities responsible for air pollution in NCR and surrounding areas.