Supreme Court Sounds Alarm Over Rising Vehicle Pollution, Seeks Action Plan From Four States

The Supreme Court has raised serious concerns over the growing contribution of vehicular emissions to air pollution in Delhi-NCR, warning that the situation demands urgent intervention. It has directed Delhi and three neighbouring states to explain the steps being taken to keep over-age and polluting vehicles off the region's roads.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, asked the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Police to submit detailed responses on measures to control vehicle emissions.

The court wants the authorities to explain the existing systems for identifying and regulating vehicles that fail to meet prescribed emission standards, including the enforcement of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.

The directions were issued on November 6 while hearing a suo motu case on air pollution in the National Capital Region.

The bench observed that although incidents of stubble burning have declined significantly in Delhi and neighbouring states, pollution caused by vehicles has emerged as an equally pressing concern.

It pointed out that Delhi's air pollution problem cannot be addressed by looking at the capital in isolation, as thousands of commercial and private vehicles enter the city every day from neighbouring regions.

The court also expressed concern over the substantial volume of vehicles travelling between Delhi and areas such as Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad, adding to the region's already heavy emission burden.

The authorities have been asked to provide details of action taken against vehicles violating emission norms, including the number inspected, fined, denied entry or otherwise penalised. They must also explain how Delhi and neighbouring states coordinate to regulate interstate vehicle movement.

The bench further sought proposals for strengthening enforcement, along with a time-bound roadmap for implementing additional measures. The states have been given two weeks to submit their responses, including their views on recommendations made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the court-appointed amicus curiae.

The Centre had earlier informed the court that restrictions on vehicles below BS-VI emission standards were being implemented.

The matter will next be heard on November 23.