The Supreme Court on Wednesday signalled a decisive move from deliberation to enforcement, underscoring the urgent need for immediate implementation of long-term structural interventions to combat the worsening air pollution crisis in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi examined a comprehensive status report submitted by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which outlined sector-specific and region-wide measures aimed at mitigating persistent ambient pollution in NCR and adjoining areas.
The Apex Court emphasised that continued debate could not substitute for concrete execution and directed all statutory authorities named in the report to submit detailed action-taken plans within four weeks, clarifying that objections to the policy framework would not be entertained.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the CAQM, apprised the Bench that vehicular emissions constitute the principal source of pollution in Delhi–NCR. The Commission’s sector-wise approach proposes phased removal of highly polluting vehicles through scrapping or relocation outside the NCR, implementation of the upgraded Pollution Under Control (PUC 2.0) regime, expansion of metro and suburban rail networks, development of additional Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors, revision of electric vehicle policies, and enhanced incentives to promote vehicle scrappage. A meta-study consolidating multiple expert reports has been placed in the public domain to enable wider stakeholder consultation.
While noting CAQM’s submissions, the Court also considered recommendations from Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing as Amicus Curiae, who urged authorities to commit to clearly defined, verifiable timelines for implementation. The Bench accepted the submission and permitted the Amicus to propose additional long-term measures, which CAQM may incorporate through a supplementary report if deemed necessary.
The Court further examined CAQM’s proposals for decongesting vehicular entry points into Delhi, including rationalisation of toll plazas and traffic management measures extending beyond Gurugram. It directed immediate compliance by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and relevant authorities in neighbouring States, emphasising coordinated NCR-wide action involving Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, given the transboundary nature of the crisis.
The hearing builds on prior judicial interventions, wherein the Bench had expressed serious dissatisfaction with administrative delays, the absence of comprehensive long-term strategies, and the tendency to attribute pollution solely to stubble burning. In December 2025, the Court mandated the CAQM to revisit and develop a phased, integrated plan addressing urban mobility, industrial emissions, energy, stubble management with farmer incentives, construction regulation, household pollution, green cover expansion, public awareness, and strengthened public transport systems. The Court also announced its intention to monitor compliance on a continuous, issue-wise basis and to avoid granting protracted adjournments sought by the Union Government.
Invoking constitutional mandates under Articles 21, 48A, and 51A(g), as well as the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, the Bench reiterated that the crisis demands immediate execution over prolonged deliberation, leaving no room for inertia or administrative inaction, and signalling close judicial oversight of the NCR’s air quality improvement efforts.
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