Supreme Court Demands Time-Bound Action Plan to Combat Delhi's Worsening Air Pollution Crisis

The Supreme Court on Monday instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and state authorities in the National Capital Region (NCR) to develop a clear, time-bound, and "actionable" plan to tackle Delhi's persistent air pollution crisis.

Leading the Bench, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized that the Court could "not sit idle" while severe pollution continued to affect millions of people. He highlighted that stubble burning, commonly viewed as a major contributor to Delhi's winter smog, was just one aspect of a broader issue.

"We cannot sit idle! Why were people able to see blue sky and stars during COVID-19? Stubble burning is just one source of pollution," stated the Chief Justice.

The Court demanded a concrete, implementable response to the worsening air quality situation.

"It should not become a political and ego battle. Pollution in Delhi not just because of stubble burning. Show us steps taken by you to curb other causes of pollution in Delhi," Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked.

CAQM representatives informed the Court that they had conducted consultations with stakeholders and were evaluating existing mitigation measures.

The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) indicated that action-taken reports could be submitted by all relevant authorities including Haryana, Punjab, the Central Pollution Control Board and others.

The Bench clarified that while prescribing scientific solutions was not within the judiciary's role, it could function as a platform to enforce coordination.

"We cannot assume or presume," Chief Justice Surya Kant explained. "The solution has to come from the experts, the courts may or may not have that, but it can definitely provide a platform for all the stakeholders to sit and deliberate."