Supreme Court Schedules Critical Hearing on Delhi-NCR's Severe Air Pollution Crisis for December 17

Delhi experienced severe air pollution on Monday with a thick blanket of smog enveloping the city.

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for December 17 regarding the deteriorating air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. This decision was announced on Monday by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pamcholi.

Senior advocate Aprajita Singh, serving as amicus curiae, highlighted that while preventive measures exist, their implementation by authorities remains inadequate. Singh emphasized that authorities typically fail to comply with established protocols until directed by the court.

"This matter will be heard before a three-judge bench on Wednesday," confirmed the Chief Justice.

Another lawyer raised concerns about children's health, noting that schools continue conducting outdoor sports activities despite previous court orders. The amicus added, "Despite this court's order, schools have found ways to continue these sporting activities. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is again referencing this court's order."

Chief Justice Kant acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating, "We understand the problem and need to issue enforceable orders. While urban metropolitan residents have their lifestyles, the poor are particularly affected."

The amicus concurred that laborers from lower economic backgrounds suffer the most severe consequences of air pollution.

Previously, the bench had emphasized that air pollution cases cannot be treated as "customary" matters to be addressed only during winter months. The court indicated it would hear the case twice monthly to develop both immediate and long-term solutions.

On Monday, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 498, falling into the higher end of the 'severe' category. Air quality was classified as 'severe' at 38 monitoring stations and 'very poor' at two stations. Jahangirpuri recorded the worst air quality among all 40 stations with an AQI of 498.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board's classification, an AQI between 0-50 is considered 'good', 51-100 'satisfactory', 101-200 'moderate', 201-300 'poor', 301-400 'very poor', and 401-500 'severe'.

Sunday saw Delhi's AQI climb to 461, marking the city's most polluted day this winter and the second-worst December air quality day on record. Weak winds and low temperatures contributed to trapping pollutants close to ground level.