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SC Demands Delhi Air Pollution Action Plan Now!
21 Jan
Summary
- Supreme Court orders Delhi, NCR states to submit air pollution action plans.
- CAQM provided 15 long-term measures for air quality improvement.
- Court stressed that objections to measures will not be entertained.
The Supreme Court has issued a firm directive to the Delhi government, municipal bodies, and agencies in neighboring NCR states, demanding the submission of their action-taken plans. These plans are to address the long-term recommendations provided by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
The CAQM has already presented comprehensive long-term strategies, encompassing measures such as phasing out polluting vehicles, enhancing the Pollution Under Control (PUC) system, expanding public transport like rail and metro, and revising electric vehicle policies. Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, acting as amicus curiae, urged the court to ensure fixed timelines for these recommendations' implementation.
Addressing concerns about Delhi's air quality, the court noted that the CAQM has reviewed the situation, including traffic congestion at Delhi's border entry points. The Bench directed the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) and other agencies to submit their action plans and compliance timelines, making it clear that no objections to the commission's recommendations would be heard. Additionally, the Supreme Court requested fresh proposals on the utilization of Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) funds from the CAQM and the Delhi government, to be filed within four weeks.
