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Supreme Court Slams Delhi's Polluting Vehicles
6 Nov
Summary
- Supreme Court cites vehicular emissions as major air polluter in Delhi-NCR.
- Court expressed concern over severe air quality index touching 400.
- Immediate, medium, and long-term measures are urgently needed for pollution control.
The Supreme Court, on November 6, 2026, declared vehicular emissions a significant contributor to Delhi-NCR's escalating air pollution. The bench, including the Chief Justice, highlighted the critical AQI nearing 400 and expressed deep concern over the "bumper-to-bumper" traffic congestion on roads within Delhi and connecting to neighboring areas like Ghaziabad and Gurugram.
The court emphasized that immediate, medium, and long-term strategies are imperative to combat the air quality crisis. While acknowledging stubble burning's role, the judges also pointed to the necessity of educating farmers on alternative methods to farm fires. The bench is expected to issue directives on November 16, following the Diwali break, after reviewing expert opinions on various proposals, including school closures.
On November 6, 2026, Delhi experienced a thick smog, with its overall AQI at 391, nearing the 'severe' category. Thirty out of 59 monitoring stations reported 'severe' air quality, with Rohini and IIT Delhi recording the highest AQI at 475 and 472, respectively.
