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As Delhi’s air turns increasingly toxic, the Supreme Court has lost patience with the pollution watchdog. Why did the top court say solutions mean nothing without first identifying what’s really choking the capital?
Supreme Court raps air quality monitor on Delhi air pollution
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed serious concern over Delhi’s deteriorating air quality and strongly directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to first identify the exact causes of pollution before suggesting remedial measures. Hearing a batch of petitions on air pollution, the court stressed that without a proper diagnosis, any solution would remain ineffective.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant made it clear that expert-driven, data-backed analysis must precede policymaking. “The first stage is to identify causes. Solutions will follow,” the Chief Justice observed.
The apex court directed CAQM to shortlist domain experts from relevant fields and convene a meeting within two weeks to determine the principal contributors to Delhi’s worsening Air Quality Index (AQI). The court emph asised that CAQM must bring experts “under one umbrella” and arrive at findings preferably through a consensus.
The Bench also ordered that the conclusions of the expert panel be placed in the public domain to ensure transparency and public accountability. Clarifying its role, the Supreme Court said it would not act as a “super expert” but would ensure that expert opinion informs decision-making in a timely and structured manner.
Taking a stern view of CAQM’s functioning, the court remarked that the authority appeared to be “in no hurry” to either identify pollution sources or propose sustainable solutions. It warned that continued delay would only worsen an already recurring crisis faced by the national capital every year.
While directing CAQM to start thinking about long-term solutions, the court said these must focus only on factors found to be responsible for maximum pollution, cautioning against reactive or piecemeal steps.
During the hearing, the Bench flagged construction activity and vehicular emissions as possible contributors but urged caution. It acknowledged the need for housing and questioned how construction could be halted entirely. On vehicular pollution, the court noted estimates suggesting nearly 40 per cent contribution but asked how public transport needs would be met if restrictions were imposed.
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The court also warned against disproportionately blaming farmers for stubble burning, recalling that Delhi witnessed clearer skies during the pandemic despite high instances of crop residue burning. This, the Bench said, highlighted the need for a holistic and evidence-based assessment.
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality continues to be alarming. Data from the Central Pollution Control Board showed the city’s average AQI at 293, categorised as ‘poor’, with Chandni Chowk recording ‘very poor’ levels at 352.
