SC Seeks Report on Delhi Air Pollution Control Measures from CAQM

The Supreme Court on Tuesday sought a report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) regarding the measures being taken to control air pollution in and around Delhi. A bench comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia acknowledged the concerns raised by senior advocate Aparajita Singh, serving as an amicus curiae, regarding air pollution during the approaching winter and crop residue burning.
The bench noted the gravity of the air pollution issue and called upon the CAQM to urgently submit a report detailing the steps taken to address air pollution in the capital and its vicinity. The matter has been scheduled for further hearings on October 31, 2023. Advocate Singh also highlighted the forthcoming challenges associated with autumn and Diwali, which are likely to exacerbate the air pollution problem. She requested the bench obtain a report from the CAQM regarding pollution control measures during this period, particularly focusing on crop residue burning. The CAQM, responsible for enhancing air quality in Delhi and neighboring areas, had recently directed authorities in the National Capital Region to enforce a ban on coal usage in hotels and restaurants. They were also directed to take punitive actions against polluting industries and thermal power plants as part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat winter air pollution in Delhi-NCR.