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Supreme Court Grants Full Power to Curb Delhi Pollution
19 Nov
Summary
- Supreme Court gives CAQM authority for proactive air pollution measures.
- Stricter GRAP IV measures like work-from-home advanced to GRAP III.
- Court orders schools to address sports events during peak pollution months.
The Supreme Court on November 19, 2025, empowered the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) with broad authority to implement "any proactive measure" to combat severe air pollution in Delhi-NCR. This directive allows the CAQM to advance GRAP IV restrictions, like mandatory work-from-home and reduced office attendance, to the ongoing GRAP III stage, a move welcomed by the court as essential for public health.
Further recommendations by the CAQM include staggering office timings and enhancing public transport in GRAP II, alongside notifying vehicle aggregator policies. The court specifically mandated the CAQM to address the health risks posed by school sports events held during peak pollution months, effectively preventing children from being exposed to harmful air.
Long-term proposals involve reviewing EV policies, increasing environmental charges on luxury diesel vehicles, and prohibiting new coal-based power plants near Delhi. The court also stressed the need for regular monitoring of air pollution by the Supreme Court itself, highlighting the persistent nature of the issue.
