Supreme Court Expands Scope of Air Pollution Hearings

In a significant move, the Supreme Court has broadened the ambit of its hearings on the issue of air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). The court announced it would now address pollution concerns in other cities beyond Delhi, emphasising that this critical issue extends far beyond the capital.

Acknowledging the growing health concerns due to air pollution, the bench highlighted that its focus would not remain limited to stubble burning or vehicular emissions in NCR alone. Instead, the court aims to explore a comprehensive approach to mitigate pollution across multiple states and cities.

The bench directed governments of the most polluted cities to present detailed reports on the sources and management of pollution in their respective jurisdictions. This directive came after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that pollution's root causes differ in each city, necessitating tailored solutions.

A Coordinated Task Force for Action
The Supreme Court instructed states to continue action through their joint task forces, created in 2016, to monitor pollution control measures. It also noted the importance of holding industries accountable for emissions and ensuring proper waste management practices.

During earlier hearings, the court had criticised the inefficiency of measures taken by Delhi and adjoining states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab in addressing air pollution. The discussion also highlighted concerns over vehicular emissions, mainly from diesel-powered vehicles, and the continued burning of stubble in agricultural regions.
Way Forward

The Supreme Court reaffirmed that tackling air pollution requires robust inter-state coordination. The next round of hearings will address a comprehensive roadmap for addressing pollution in major cities while implementing stricter measures.
As the hearing progresses, the court has sought updates from the Delhi government and other states, ensuring compliance with earlier orders to mitigate pollution levels effectively.