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Supreme Court Orders Delhi to Act on Air Pollution Plan, Shift Coal Industries

The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi government to file a detailed plan to operationalise the Commission for Air Quality Management's long-term recommendations to solve the capital's air pollution crisis. The bench, led by CJI Surya Kant, also ordered the Environment Ministry to propose shifting all coal-based industries out of Delhi-NCR and identifying alternative fuels. Neighbouring states must issue public notices for stakeholder suggestions on the matter. The hearing occurs amid political controversy, with the AAP accusing the BJP of manipulating AQI data by placing monitors in greener areas.

Key Points: SC Directs Delhi Govt on CAQM Air Pollution Action Plan

  • SC directs Delhi's detailed action plan
  • Orders proposal to shift coal industries
  • Neighbouring states must seek stakeholder input
  • AAP questions pollution data credibility
2 min read

Supreme Court directs Delhi Government to operationalise CAQM's long-term recommendations on air pollution

Supreme Court orders Delhi and neighbouring states to implement long-term CAQM recommendations to tackle air pollution, including shifting coal industries.

"The intent... was not to clean Delhi's air but to artificially lower AQI readings. - Saurabh Bharadwaj"

New Delhi, February 23

The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi to file a detailed action plan to operationalise the Commission for Air Quality Management recommendations to solve the issue of air pollution in the capital.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant also directed the Ministry of Environment and Power to submit a proposal, based on the latest CAQM recommendations, for shifting all coal-based industries out of Delhi-NCR. This proposal must include the identification of such industries and viable alternative fuel sources.

The Court ordered the neighbouring States of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan to issue public notices inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders, including coal-based industries. These notices are to be treated as issued under the Court's authority and must be fully detailed in the states' respective action-taken plans. As an interim arrangement, Haryana, Delhi, and other concerned authorities were asked to examine the feasibility, logistics, location, and operational modalities of these industries pending a final decision.

During the hearing, the Court took note of submissions by ASG Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the CAQM, regarding long-term measures to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The Court recalled that, by its earlier order, it had directed the CAQM to develop long-term plans to address the AQI crisis.

The hearing comes amidst ongoing concerns over the quality of air in the national capital and neighbouring states.

In February, the Opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioned the credibility of Delhi's pollution data and objected to the BJP government's decision to install six new AQI monitoring stations in the city's green and open areas.

AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "The intent of the BJP government led by Rekha Gupta was not to clean Delhi's air but to artificially lower AQI readings by shifting monitoring infrastructure to greener zones, thereby creating a false impression of improvement without taking substantive anti-pollution measures."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone living in Gurgaon, the air quality affects my family's health daily. The court involving neighboring states is crucial—pollution doesn't respect borders. But I'm concerned about the workers in those coal industries. The plan must include proper rehabilitation.
P
Priya S
The political blame game between AAP and BJP is so frustrating. Instead of questioning monitoring stations, all parties should focus on supporting the CAQM's recommendations. Our children shouldn't have to breathe poison because of politics.
R
Rohit P
Good move by the Supreme Court. But let's be real, we've seen many "action plans" before. What we need is strict deadlines and penalties for non-compliance. Also, what about the stubble burning issue from Punjab and Haryana? That's a major contributor every winter.
K
Karthik V
While I appreciate the court's intervention, I respectfully disagree with the heavy-handed approach. Shifting entire industries is a massive economic disruption. A phased transition with government support for green technology would be more practical. We need balance between environment and livelihoods.
M
Meera T
The directive to seek suggestions from stakeholders is important. The people working in these industries and living around them should have a say. Hope the public notices are published widely in regional languages, not just in English newspapers.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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