Pollution / SC flags vehicle emissions as major cause of Delhi-NCR air pollution, AQI nears 400

New Delhi, Nov 6: The Supreme Court on Friday identified vehicular emissions as a major contributor to air pollution in Delhi-NCR and called for immediate, medium-term and long-term measures to tackle the deteriorating air quality.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana expressed concern over bumper-to-bumper traffic in the national capital and the large number of vehicles travelling on roads connecting Delhi with neighbouring areas, including Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad.

The observations came during the hearing of a suo motu case examining the regulatory framework governing air pollution.

"We keep talking, sometimes make statements and suggestions, but the point is that AQI is already touching 400," the Chief Justice said.

The bench observed that vehicular movement across Delhi-NCR was a major problem and pointed out that people from economically weaker sections were among those most exposed to pollution while working on the roads. It also noted that the festive season was an important period for many of them to earn their livelihood.

On stubble burning, the court stressed the need to educate farmers about using machines instead of setting crop residue on fire.

The bench also considered a plea seeking closure of schools or the introduction of hybrid classes for students across age groups when the Air Quality Index (AQI) crosses a specified threshold. It said it would rely on expert opinion before taking a decision on the matter.

Appearing for the Centre and other authorities, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati outlined the regulatory framework covering five major sectors: industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, construction and demolition dust, road dust and stubble burning.

Also Read: Delhi AQI Crosses 400 in Several Areas, Sirsa Blames Punjab Stubble Burning

She informed the court that several measures had been introduced, including restrictions on the entry of certain vehicles, geo-tagging of pollution under control (PUC) certificates and action against visibly polluting vehicles based on complaints received through applications and social media.

Bhati also told the bench that stubble burning contributed 14% of Delhi's pollution on Thursday.

The Supreme Court said it would pass certain orders and take up the matter again on November 16, after reopening following the Diwali vacation.

Meanwhile, a thick layer of smog engulfed the national capital on Friday as air quality deteriorated and approached the 'severe' category. Delhi's overall AQI stood at 391.