The Supreme Court of India has intervened in the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, taking up a case on its own initiative. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymala Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana presided over the hearing, acknowledging the severe environmental emergency facing the nation's capital region. The court's intervention came as pollution levels remained in the severe category.
Amicus curiae Aparajita Singh presented a stark assessment of the situation to the court, comparing the health impact of breathing Delhi's polluted air to smoking 30 cigarettes daily. "The current situation is such that people are smoking 30 cigarettes every day," Singh stated, emphasizing the immediate and severe consequences for public health. She further noted that pollution levels were so extreme that they were affecting people's voices, silencing the very citizens the court aimed to protect.
Singh provided specific data on pollution sources, revealing that stubble burning contributed approximately 14 percent to Delhi's pollution on November 5. While this figure represents only a portion of the total pollution, it highlights the significant impact of agricultural practices on urban air quality. The court acknowledged this contribution while recognizing that multiple factors—including vehicular emissions—collectively create the hazardous conditions.
The judge also acknowledged the seasonal nature of the problem, connecting it to the ongoing farming season when stubble burning typically intensifies.
Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that rain had reduced pollution levels slightly, offering a temporary reprieve from the worst conditions. "I hope you are all enjoying the weather in Delhi," the CJI remarked, though the statement carried an ironic weight given the crisis. The judge also acknowledged the seasonal nature of the problem, connecting it to the ongoing farming season when stubble burning typically intensifies.
The Supreme Court on Friday expressed concern over the rising AQI in Delhi. “We keep talking but AQI already touching 400,” Chief Justice Surya Kant said during a hearing on the pollution in the National Capital Region. The CJI also asked about the steps taken to mitigate pollution. Written by: Ananthakrishnan G Read more: https://t.co/4BSDsZNVWa
The hearing revealed complex challenges in addressing pollution sources. Singh informed the court that farmers lacked adequate fuel for stubble-clearing machines, which could help reduce agricultural burning. In response, the court suggested that providing these machines to village panchayats and establishing fixed prices for purchased stubble might help address the issue.
The Supreme Court's intervention reflects growing recognition that Delhi's air pollution requires comprehensive, multi-faceted solutions. While stubble burning represents a significant and measurable contributor, the problem extends beyond agricultural practices to include transportation. The court's consideration of both immediate relief measures and systemic changes indicates a nuanced approach to addressing this persistent environmental crisis.
The hearing concluded with the court acknowledging the complexity of the pollution crisis and the need for coordinated action across multiple sectors and levels of government. As Delhi's residents continue to breathe air equivalent to smoking 30 cigarettes daily, the Supreme Court's intervention represents a critical step toward finding sustainable solutions to protect public health and environmental quality in India's capital region.
