Supreme Court pulls Air Quality Panel for inaction on Delhi pollution crisis

The top court bench highlighted that despite the annual stubble burning crisis, the CAQM had not formed any committees to tackle the issue.

Author
Sonia Dham
Follow us:

Air pollution (Representative Image) (ANI)

The Supreme Court on Friday strongly reprimanded the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its failure to address rising pollution levels in Delhi, particularly due to unchecked crop burning in neighboring northern states. As Delhi's air quality sharply declined this week, the court expressed frustration over the panel's passive stance.

The bench highlighted that, despite the annual stubble burning crisis, the CAQM had not formed any committees to tackle the issue. "Every year, stubble burning occurs, yet there has been complete non-compliance with the CAQM Act. Have any committees been formed? Show us a single step taken. What directions have been issued under the Act? You are silent spectators doing nothing," the court admonished, according to the sources.

The court also questioned the panel's efficiency, noting its meetings occurred only once every three months. According to the CAQM Act, the commission holds the authority to coordinate, research, and address air pollution in Delhi-NCR and adjoining regions. However, the court observed a lack of enforcement and action under the Act, especially regarding stubble burning alternatives at the grassroots level.

Despite the CAQM having broad powers, including the ability to shut down polluting units, the court noted a failure to implement any significant measures. The Supreme Court demanded the panel submit records of meetings and decisions taken thus far.

"While certain steps have been taken, the commission must become more proactive. Its efforts should lead to tangible reductions in pollution levels," the bench stated.

Delhi faces an annual air quality crisis each winter, worsened by stubble burning in Haryana and Punjab, which contributes significantly to the region’s hazardous pollution levels.