SC questions recurring Delhi-NCR pollution, flags vehicle emissions as major contributor

New Delhi: Expressing serious concern over the recurring air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court on Friday termed vehicular emissions a major contributor to the deteriorating air quality and asked authorities why the air quality index continues to remain alarming despite several regulatory measures.

Hearing a suo motu case examining the regulatory framework governing air pollution, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also expressed concern over "bumper-to-bumper" traffic in Delhi-NCR.

The bench highlighted the large number of vehicles plying on roads connecting Delhi with neighbouring areas, including Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad.


"Despite all these measures, why is pollution recurring? Is it only because of the movement of vehicles, irrespective of the quality of fuel being used, whether petrol or diesel," the CJI asked, adding that despite all the measures, the AQI is touching 400.

The bench emphasised the need to revisit traditional customs and practices during festivals. "Why don't we revert to our original customs?" the CJI asked, stressing that celebrations should be accompanied by a sense of responsibility towards the environment. "No restriction is going to work. The more orders we pass, the more violations will multiply," the SC observed, underlining the need for behavioural change and greater awareness about pollution.

The issue of stubble burning also came up during the hearing, with the bench emphasising that farmers needed to be encouraged through economic incentives and practical alternatives rather than relying solely on regulatory restrictions.