SC seeks CAQM report as Delhi-NCR air quality worsens
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to submit an affidavit outlining the measures being taken to prevent further deterioration of Delhi-NCR’s air quality, after it was informed that several air monitoring stations were reportedly non-functional during Diwali.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning air pollution control in the national capital and the surrounding NCR region.
Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, the amicus curiae in the matter, highlighted media reports indicating that out of 37 air quality monitoring systems in Delhi, only nine were operational during Diwali.
“There needs to be a report from CAQM on the current air pollution status. Out of 37 in Delhi, only nine monitoring systems were functioning during Diwali,” Singh told the Bench.
She further reminded the court that its earlier directions required authorities to take pre-emptive measures rather than waiting for pollution levels to reach the ‘severe’ category.
Following the submission, the apex court directed the CAQM to file an affidavit specifying the steps proposed to avert further deterioration in air quality. “The CAQM is required to place on record an affidavit as to what steps are proposed to be taken so as to prevent the pollution turning to be severe,” the Bench ordered.
The court also sought clarity regarding the functioning of air quality monitoring stations after reports surfaced of widespread system failures.
Counsel for the CAQM informed the Bench that a report had been filed during the previous hearing but could not be considered due to time constraints. However, the amicus curiae urged that a fresh affidavit be filed, addressing both the malfunctioning of monitoring systems and the preventive measures planned amid the worsening pollution.
Appearing for the authorities, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhatti assured the court that the required report would be filed by the concerned agencies, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which maintains the air quality data.
The development comes days after the Supreme Court permitted the limited sale and use of green crackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali while emphasising that “commercial considerations and the festive spirit should take a back seat when it concerns the environment and health.”
In its October 15 order, the Bench had allowed the sale of NEERI-approved crackers between October 18 and 20, with bursting restricted to specified hours. The relaxation, it clarified, was “only on a test case basis,” contingent on post-Diwali air quality readings.
To ensure strict compliance, the court had also directed that only licenced traders could sell NEERI-approved fireworks with QR codes, and that district administrations and police form patrolling teams to prevent the sale of banned crackers.
Additionally, the court had ordered the CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards to monitor air, water, and soil quality from October 14 to 25 and submit a comprehensive report to the Supreme Court.
With IANS inputs