SC asks NCR states to act on CAQM's recommendations

Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi government, its municipal bodies and other agencies of NCR states to submit their "action taken plan" report on the recommendations by CAQM for long-term measures to resolve the menace of air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The counsel for Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) apprised a bench, headed by CJI Surya Kant, that the committee has submitted detailed long-term measures, including phasing out polluting vehicles from Delhi-NCR; strengthening of PUC regime; augmentation of rail transport and metro models; revised electric vehicle policy; and higher incentives to be given to owners for scrapping their old vehicles.

The counsel further informed the bench that agencies have been identified which can provide an Environment Compensation Charge fund to ensure the smooth implementation of these measures.


Making it clear that it will not entertain any objections to the said recommendations, the bench ordered, "The commission (CAQM) has recommended 15 long-term measures... CAQM has also identified the agencies who are competent to implement these long-term measures." It added "while in addition to the aforesaid measures by CAQM, there might be some additional measures required to be adopted, there can be no doubt that these long-term measures by CAQM are required to be given effect with no delay. We therefore call upon stakeholders to submit their respective action taken plan to give effect to these measures. This court is not inclined to entertain any objections with respect to these measures."

CAQM also made deliberations on the air quality scenario in NCR. Considering the toll congestion at the Delhi border entry points, and to ensure the timely adoption of advanced technology, CAQM also made additional recommendations. SC ordered that MCD shall submit their response on why the recommendations should not be implemented in a timely manner.