Supreme Court Urges Action on Pollution

Supreme Court of India on Air Pollution Control Measures

• Supreme Court Directive: The Supreme Court is urging proactive measures to reduce air pollution in the national capital, specifically asking the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to submit an affidavit detailing clear data and an action plan to combat pollution levels.

• Judicial Concern: Chief Justice B.R. Gavai expressed that authorities should prevent pollution from reaching 'severe' levels, emphasizing the urgency of action.

• Air Quality Monitoring Issues: During the Deepavali festival, it was reported that several air quality monitoring stations in Delhi were non-functional. Only 9 out of 37 monitoring stations operated continuously during this period, hampering effective pollution management.

• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): The Supreme Court highlighted the need for functioning monitoring stations to implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) effectively, which is vital for responding to varying levels of air pollution.

• Sale of Green Firecrackers: On October 15, the Supreme Court allowed the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Deepavali under specific conditions, aiming to balance cultural traditions with environmental health concerns. Firecracker sales were permitted from October 18 to 20, with usage restricted to certain hours.

• Government Responsibility: Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati assured the court that concerned agencies would furnish the necessary reports to adhere to judicial orders and improve air quality monitoring.

Key Takeaways:

1. Supreme Court Engagement: The need for judicial involvement to address air quality issues.
2. Monitoring Station Performance: Highlighting the critical role of functioning environmental monitoring systems.
3. Legal Framework and Air Quality Management: Reference to GRAP as a key component in tackling air pollution episodes.

Constitutional Reference: While no specific articles were directly cited in this context, the issue of public health and the right to a clean environment could invoke Articles 21 (Right to Life) and 47 (Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living) of the Indian Constitution.

This situation underscores the ongoing challenges related to air quality management in urban India, alongside the judicial commitment to enforce government accountability in environmental issues.