Supreme Court takes on Delhi air quality panel for inaction in National Capital Region

Delhi air quality: The Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval of the central air quality panel on Friday for failing to adequately monitor air quality and reduce pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was criticised by Justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih for not establishing any committees to oversee air quality management. Justice Oka questioned the CAQM’s actions, asking, “There has been total non-compliance of the Act. Have committees been constituted? Please show us a single step taken, or any direction issued under the Act.”

He further said, “It’s all in the air; they have not demonstrated any communication with the NCR states.” While acknowledging that the CAQM had taken some actions, the Bench noted that their performance did not meet expectations.

Every winter, the NCR faces a significant air quality crisis, primarily due to stubble burning in neighbouring Haryana and Punjab. When CAQM chairman Rajesh Verma mentioned that meetings are held quarterly, the court queried whether this frequency was sufficient and whether it had led to any reductions in stubble burning incidents.

The court also inquired about any actions taken against negligent officials. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati stated that the chairman had only recently assumed his position. Verma explained that meetings had occurred with officials and pollution boards in Punjab and Haryana, resulting in warnings issued to their chief secretaries.

Senior advocate Aprajita Singh, serving as amicus curiae, highlighted that the CAQM has the authority to take action against violations of the law, but criticised them for being "silent spectators." Singh also pointed out that despite the allocation of thousands of crores for equipment to prevent stubble burning, the situation has not improved since 2017.

The Supreme Court highlighted the need for grassroots efforts to promote alternatives to stubble burning. It stated, “One of the duties is to work with NCR States, and the CAQM has vast powers, including the ability to close polluting units. While we recognize that the Commission has taken certain steps, it must be more proactive in ensuring that its initiatives lead to tangible reductions in pollution.”

The Supreme Court has requested the CAQM to submit detailed reports of their meetings and a more comprehensive compliance report. The matter is scheduled for further hearing next Thursday.