New Delhi, Nov 3 (NationPress) The Supreme Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Monday to submit an affidavit outlining the actions taken to safeguard the air quality in Delhi-NCR from further decline, following reports that numerous air monitoring stations were allegedly non-operational during Diwali.

A panel comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran was reviewing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) aimed at addressing air pollution in the national capital and its neighboring areas.

Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, acting as amicus curiae in this case, pointed out to the court that only nine out of 37 air quality monitoring systems in Delhi were operational during Diwali.

“A report from CAQM is essential regarding the present air pollution situation. Out of the 37 systems in Delhi, merely 9 were functioning during Diwali,” Singh conveyed to the CJI Gavai-led panel.

The amicus curiae emphasized that the Supreme Court's previous orders mandated authorities to take proactive measures instead of waiting for the air quality to reach alarming levels.

After considering the submissions, the apex court instructed: “The CAQM must provide an affidavit detailing the actions proposed to avert severe pollution.”

Additionally, the court sought clarification on the status of operational air quality monitoring systems, following media reports indicating widespread failures.

The counsel for CAQM informed the CJI Gavai-led panel that a report had been previously filed but couldn't be discussed due to time constraints.

Nonetheless, the amicus suggested that a new affidavit be submitted, addressing both the malfunctioning monitoring systems and the initiatives planned in light of the worsening air conditions.

Representing the authorities, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhatti assured the apex court that the necessary report would be submitted by the relevant authorities, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which oversees the monitoring data.

This development occurred shortly after the Supreme Court had allowed limited sales and use of green crackers in Delhi-NCR during Diwali, cautioning that “commercial interests and the festive atmosphere should not overshadow environmental and health concerns.”

In an order issued on October 15, the CJI Gavai-led panel permitted the sale of NEERI-approved crackers from October 18 to 20, limiting usage to specific times.

The relaxation, the Supreme Court clarified, was “only on a test case basis,” dependent on post-Diwali air quality evaluations.

To ensure compliance, the apex court established a comprehensive enforcement mechanism: Only licensed merchants could sell approved items featuring NEERI-issued QR codes, while district administrations and police were tasked with forming patrolling teams to curb the sale of illegal crackers.

It also directed the CPCB and State Pollution Control Boards to monitor air, water, and soil quality from October 14 to 25 and report back to the apex court.