The Supreme Court sought responses from key Union ministries on a proposal to relocate coal-based industries from the Delhi-NCR region as part of a broader push to combat chronic air pollution. A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant indicated it would closely examine long-term measures recommended by the Commission for Air Quality Management, setting the stage for possible structural changes in the region’s industrial and energy landscape.
Hearing a matter concerning deteriorating air quality in the National Capital Region, the Court expanded its focus beyond seasonal pollution controls to systemic contributors, including coal-dependent industrial activity. It sought responses from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Ministry of Power on a proposal that no new coal-fired thermal power plants be established within a 300 kilometre radius of Delhi.
The Bench also directed Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan to issue public notices inviting suggestions from affected industries and stakeholders, requiring each state to submit an action-taken report. Additionally, the Delhi government has been asked to place on record a concrete roadmap for implementing the Commission’s recommendations, including steps to address vehicular emissions and dust from construction activities.
Emphasising coordinated policy action, the Court directed the concerned ministries to file a joint proposal outlining how coal-based industries in NCR could be phased out and what alternative fuel options may be made available. “The proposal shall firstly identify the industries and determine what alternative fuel sources can be provided for them,” the Bench ordered. It further made clear that public notices issued by the states would be treated as court-directed service, underscoring the urgency of compliance.
All stakeholders have been asked to file status reports before the next hearing on March 12.
Picture Source :
