The Supreme Court (SC) has directed the central government and NCR (National Capital Region) governments to present a comprehensive report detailing the outcomes of the measures implemented to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court expressed concerns regarding the persistent air quality issues in the region and emphasized the need for a thorough evaluation of the effectiveness of existing action plans.
During a hearing on Monday, the SC questioned the Centre and relevant authorities on the efficacy of their strategies for reducing air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court suggested revisiting the current action plan to ascertain whether it has yielded any tangible improvements. Chief Justice Surya Kant stated, "Why don't you revisit your action plan to see for yourself, have you brought any effective changes? And if you have, then are they less than what is needed? We think it is important to evaluate whether any of your action plans have proved to be effective or ineffective, or less effective".
The Supreme Court also raised concerns about the practice of solely blaming farmers for stubble burning as a primary cause of pollution. The court acknowledged that while stubble burning in states like Punjab and Haryana contributes to the issue, other significant factors should also be examined. The bench emphasized the importance of a scientific analysis of all contributing elements to accurately address the problem. The court also noted that farmers are often unrepresented in these proceedings. The Supreme Court questioned why clear skies were visible in Delhi 4-5 years ago, even with stubble burning, but are no longer seen now.
The court has decided to address the air pollution issue at least twice a month and has scheduled the next hearing for December 10. While acknowledging the potential for improvement after the winter season, the court expressed apprehension about the recurring nature of the problem.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated that Delhi's air quality remained in the "poor" category on Monday morning, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) rising to 299 at 7 AM compared to 279 at 4 PM on Sunday. Despite this, the air quality scenario in Delhi-NCR has shown consistent improvement this year, recording the lowest average AQI for the January-November period in the last eight years, excluding 2020.
The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective strategy to tackle air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court's emphasis on evaluating existing measures, considering all contributing factors, and ensuring representation for all stakeholders underscores the complexity of the issue and the importance of a multi-faceted approach.
