In a recent hearing concerning Delhi-NCR's persistent air pollution, the Supreme Court (SC) made a striking observation about societal priorities and environmental responsibility. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant remarked that owning a car has increasingly become a status symbol, with people now saving money specifically to purchase four-wheelers, even at the expense of using more eco-friendly options like bicycles.
The CJI's comments came in response to a suggestion from senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, who proposed that curbing multiple car ownership could be a solution to Delhi's air pollution crisis. Dwivedi also pointed out the significant influence wielded by the automobile industry, making meaningful reforms challenging.
Echoing concerns about equity, CJI Kant stressed that environmental responsibility should not fall solely on ordinary citizens. He asserted that wealthier segments of society must also contribute by making sacrifices, such as choosing cleaner mobility options like electric vehicles (EVs) over high-end, fuel-driven cars. The CJI's remark underscored the idea that those who can afford to make environmentally conscious choices have a greater responsibility to do so.
In addition to addressing vehicle emissions, the Supreme Court also criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its perceived lack of urgency and seriousness in tackling the air pollution crisis. The court rebuked the CAQM for seeking a two-month adjournment on the issue of temporarily closing or relocating toll plazas on Delhi's borders to reduce traffic congestion. The bench, comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, directed the CAQM to convene a meeting of experts within two weeks and submit a detailed report outlining the primary factors behind the worsening pollution levels and propose potential solutions. The court insisted that the CAQM must expedite the process of identifying the causes of worsening air quality and formulating long-term solutions. The CAQM's response was deemed unsatisfactory, with the court noting that the commission appeared to be in "no hurry" to address the crisis.
The Supreme Court highlighted the varying views among expert bodies regarding the sources and proportions of pollution, further emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach. The court directed the CAQM to bring relevant domain experts together to arrive at a uniform set of causes based on available data. The report identifying the major causes of pollution will be placed in the public domain to promote public awareness and participation. The CAQM was also tasked with examining long-term solutions and planning their phased implementation, prioritizing measures that address the highest contributing sources of pollution.
Air pollution in India, particularly in the Delhi-NCR region, remains a critical environmental and public health issue. Factors such as vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction, and crop burning contribute to the deteriorating air quality, especially during the winter months. The government has launched initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to combat air pollution by setting goals for reducing PM concentrations and formulating city-specific air quality management plans. Other measures include emission standards for industries and vehicles, promotion of cleaner fuels and renewable energy, and the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
