Delhi Pollution: SC asks Centre for long-term strategy, warns against sudden restrictions

The Supreme Court on Monday, November directed the Centre to present a comprehensive long-term strategy to reduce Delhi-NCR’s recurring winter pollution, making it clear that the national Capital cannot depend on short bursts of emergency restrictions year after year.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai asked the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Delhi government to file detailed plans, stressing that piecemeal actions lasting a few days or weeks are not sustainable solutions.

“You can give suggestions, but they cannot be for two days, one week or three weeks. We need a long-bridge solution so this problem reduces gradually every year,” the Bench, which also comprised Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria, told the government.

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What long-term framework does the Court expect?

The Bench made it clear that it is not inclined to order sweeping bans such as a year-round halt on construction, noting that such measures could cripple livelihoods in the region.

“We do not have the expertise to decide what activities should be stopped completely. A large chunk of the population depends on these activities. We cannot look only at one side,” CJI Gavai said.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for intervenors, urged the court to push emergency controls, saying: “Three out of ten deaths in Delhi are due to air pollution. A PM2.5 particle entering my child’s lungs will never leave.” He also sought stronger triggers for GRAP and tighter curbs on construction.

But the Bench warned that a blanket shutdown would bring the city to “a complete standstill”. “Then even courts will have to stop,” the CJI remarked, adding that the judiciary would not pass “bold directives” without expert-backed guidance.

Court seeks clarity on AQI monitoring after media reports

The Supreme Court also asked the Delhi government to explain the efficiency of its AQI monitoring system amid reports of water sprinkling near monitoring stations. The Bench sought an affidavit by November 19.

“Please bring it the day after tomorrow,” the court said, posting the matter for the next hearing.