The Supreme Court of India has directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to finalize sector-specific action plans within two weeks to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the CAQM's efforts thus far, stating that its interventions over the past two decades have not yielded the desired results in improving the region's air quality.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, criticized the CAQM for its inability to clearly identify the major sources of pollution and their respective contributions. The court observed inconsistencies in expert reports, citing vehicular emissions being attributed anywhere from 12% to 40% of the total pollution load. Highlighting the lack of publicly available information on the primary drivers of pollution in the region, the court has mandated the CAQM to conduct a source-identification and apportionment exercise and place the findings in the public domain.
The Supreme Court has instructed the CAQM to convene a meeting of domain experts, including representatives from institutions like the IITs, within two weeks to identify the major causes of pollution. The findings of this meeting are to be put on record and made available to the public. The CAQM is also tasked with creating a phased, long-term plan addressing key pollution sources, such as vehicular emissions, construction dust, and toll plazas, while considering the recommendations of the Amicus Curiae, including a transition to electric vehicles and strengthening public transport.
The court rejected the CAQM's request for a two-month adjournment to examine issues like traffic congestion and the collection of environmental compensation charges (ECC). The court made it clear that it would monitor the matter every two weeks, irrespective of the prevailing air quality levels. The court has directed the CAQM to submit the action plan by January 21.
The Supreme Court acknowledged that measures to curb pollution, such as restricting trucks or halting construction, could disrupt essential services and affect housing needs. The court emphasized the need for long-term solutions implemented in a phased manner to avoid hurting livelihoods, industry, and the public. The court also suggested that the CAQM consider the issue of toll plazas separately, irrespective of the stances taken by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Gurugram civic body, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The court also noted that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Gurugram Development Authority are prioritizing toll revenue over public health, specifically regarding the refusal to suspend toll plazas that contribute to heavy vehicle congestion.
The Supreme Court's intervention underscores the urgency of addressing air pollution in Delhi-NCR and the need for a comprehensive, long-term strategy based on accurate data and expert analysis.
