‘Be more active’: SC rebukes air quality management panel over Delhi pollution

In a stern rebuke, the Supreme Court on Friday criticised the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its inadequate efforts to curb air pollution in Delhi caused by crop residue burning in neighbouring states.

- AAISHA SABIR

• DEMANDS MORE FROM CAQM TO TACKLE DELHI'S AIR CRISIS

The court emphasised the need for more proactive measures from the commission to address the persistent issue.

A bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih expressed dissatisfaction with the steps taken by the panel to control pollution. They urged the CAQM to exercise its authority under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, more effectively.

“There has been total non-compliance of the Act. Please show us a single direction issued to any stakeholder under the Act,” the bench remarked. The court added: “We are of the view that though the commission has taken steps, it needs to be more active. The commission must ensure that its efforts and directions issued actually translate into reducing the problem of pollution.”