'Warrants urgent attention': SC flags vehicle pollution in Delhi-NCR, seeks action plan

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has directed Delhi and three neighbouring states to detail the measures taken to prevent over-age and non-compliant vehicles from entering and operating in the National Capital Region (NCR), citing a sharp rise in vehicular emissions and calling for urgent intervention.The governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, along with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Police, have been asked to submit their responses within two weeks, outlining both existing enforcement measures and additional short-term and long-term steps to reduce vehicular pollution.A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also sought details of the regulatory framework governing the entry and movement of commercial and private vehicles in Delhi-NCR, particularly those coming from neighbouring states.The authorities have been asked to explain how vehicles that do not meet prescribed emission standards are identified and regulated, including enforcement of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification requirements.The court observed that Delhi-NCR bears the combined burden of vehicles originating within the region as well as those entering from neighbouring states. It also flagged the substantial volume of commercial and private vehicles adding to the pollution load. "There can be little doubt that the issue warrants urgent and immediate intervention," the bench said.The court also sought details of action taken against violations, including the number of vehicles inspected, challaned, denied entry or otherwise proceeded against. It asked the authorities to explain how Delhi and neighbouring states coordinate to regulate inter-state vehicular movement and ensure compliance with emission norms."The respective authorities shall also indicate the specific measures proposed to strengthen the existing enforcement mechanisms, together with a time-bound roadmap for their implementation," the bench said.The states have also been asked to respond to suggestions made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the amicus curiae, and spell out any additional measures they propose to take. The directions were issued on November 6 while the court was hearing a suo motu case on air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The bench noted that although stubble-burning incidents had declined substantially across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, the data also pointed to a sharp increase in concerns linked to vehicular emissions."While this development is certainly laudable, the same data also brings to the fore a converse and equally pressing concern, namely, the sharp increase in issues attributable to vehicular emissions," it said.The matter will be heard next on November 23. Trisha Mahajan is a journalist with The Times of India digital, with keen interest in covering business and corporate affairs. She also reports on key national and world developments and global news trends. A keen reader with a strong interest in storytelling that adds context, clarity, and depth to complex issues.