Delhi-NCR Pollution: Supreme Court's strict comment - We cannot sit idle, next hearing on December 10

The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the Delhi and NCR air pollution crisis and held a hearing. During the hearing, the Chief Justice remarked, "My friend says that the matter has improved just because it was listed... It's important that we hear it regularly, rather than listing it every three or four months." The Chief Justice further stated that we want long-term plans to be made public, and those plans need to be discussed and finalized. The matter will now be heard on December 10th.

What happened during the hearing?

ASG Aishwarya Bhati stated that the Center has filed an affidavit detailing short-term plans and has held meetings with all states and agencies.

The court asked whether these plans have actually had any impact.

The CJI said, "How much positive progress has the action plan you prepared achieved? We need to know that. We don't even know what steps were taken."

Stubble burning incidents were also discussed.

During the discussion, the ASG acknowledged that the state's goal was "zero stubble burning," but it hadn't been achieved. The CJI responded, "Stubble burning isn't the only reason. Stubble burning was happening even during COVID, but the sky was absolutely blue and clear then." The CJI also emphasized that the stubble burning issue shouldn't be made a political or ego-driven issue: "If farmers are burning stubble, there's an economic reason. It's both a resource and a commodity."

Who is responsible for pollution?

ASG Bhati, citing the IIT's 2016 and 2023 reports, said vehicles are the biggest contributor. Dust pollution from industrial areas, followed by stubble burning, is only a limited-time problem. The court directed that a report be submitted within a week, detailing the actions taken to date to address other causes beyond stubble burning—such as vehicles, construction, and dust—and the impact.

During the hearing, a lawyer argued that vehicles parked on both sides of Delhi's roads increase traffic and pollution. It was also pointed out that Delhi's vehicle population exceeds that of all other metropolitan cities combined. The CJI stated that projects like the Metro will play a crucial role in the future, but that short-term measures are essential until long-term plans are implemented.

Next hearing on December 10

The Chief Justice categorically stated, "We will not allow this matter to remain pending for long. If it is postponed again, history will repeat itself." Following this, the matter was listed for December 10.