New Delhi, Jan 21 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has instructed the Delhi government, along with municipal authorities and the governments of NCR states, to present detailed action plans based on the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) long-term strategies aimed at combating the ongoing air pollution crisis in the national capital and the surrounding NCR.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi was reviewing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region.

Representing the CAQM, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati informed the court that the Commission’s expert committee has outlined 15 long-term actions, pinpointing the vehicular sector as the main factor contributing to air pollution in the area.

These strategies encompass a systematic removal of highly polluting vehicles from Delhi-NCR through scrapping or relocation, stringent enforcement of the updated Pollution Under Control framework (PUC 2.0), expansion of Metro and rail services, creation of additional Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors, reevaluation of the Electric Vehicle policy, and increased incentives for the scrapping of old vehicles.

ASG Bhati elaborated that the CAQM has also identified relevant agencies responsible for executing each of these initiatives and has recommended utilizing Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) funds for seamless implementation.

Taking into account these submissions, the CJI Kant-led bench clarified that the Supreme Court will not consider any objections regarding the CAQM’s suggestions.

“There can be no doubt that these long-term measures need to be implemented without delay. We are not inclined to hear any dissent concerning these measures,” the apex court remarked, urging all involved parties to submit their respective action plans along with timelines for execution.

Senior advocate and amicus curiae Aparajita Singh also called upon the CJI Kant-led bench to establish definite timelines for implementation, emphasizing that further delays would exacerbate the pollution situation.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court also acknowledged CAQM’s additional discussions on traffic congestion at the border entry points of Delhi and the necessity for the timely adoption of cutting-edge technologies.

It directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other relevant agencies to clarify why the recommendations should not be acted upon promptly.

“We do not require objections. All that the relevant agencies, particularly the MCD and neighboring state agencies, need to do is submit the action plan and the timeline for compliance,” the bench stated.

It also invited the amicus curiae to propose any further long-term strategies that might be necessary to address the air pollution crisis, indicating that the CAQM would review and integrate them if appropriate.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing in four weeks.