Air Pollution Crisis | SC orders NCR states to execute CAQM’s Anti-Pollution plan

The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi Government, municipal bodies, and authorities across NCR States to file detailed “action taken” plans implementing the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) long-term measures to tackle air pollution, making it clear that delays or objections will not be entertained. The order is significant as it shifts the focus from policy debate to time-bound execution amid worsening air quality concerns in the National Capital Region.

The directions came while a Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant reviewed CAQM’s roadmap addressing Delhi-NCR’s chronic air pollution, which includes phasing out polluting vehicles, strengthening the PUC regime, expanding rail and metro connectivity, revising electric vehicle policies, and incentivising scrapping of old vehicles. CAQM informed the Court that it had identified implementing agencies and funding mechanisms, including the Environment Compensation Charge (ECC), while the amicus curiae pressed for fixed timelines to prevent bureaucratic drift. The Court noted that despite repeated warnings, execution on the ground had lagged, necessitating judicial insistence on accountability.

Emphasising urgency, the Bench held that CAQM’s recommendations must be implemented without delay, observing that “there can be no doubt that these long-term measures by CAQM are required to be given effect with no delay,” and categorically stating that it was “not inclined to entertain any objections with respect to these measures.” The Court ordered all stakeholders, including Delhi municipal corporations and agencies of neighbouring States, to submit action plans with clear timelines, directed specific responses on the implementation of traffic and congestion-related measures, and asked CAQM and the Delhi Government to place fresh proposals on record for utilisation and revision of ECC funds.

The matter has been listed after four weeks for compliance review.

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