Local authorities have also been called to action, implementing measures such as increasing the frequency of dust suppression operations and enhancing public transport systems to reduce vehicular emissions.
The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday delivered a critique of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), asserting that the agency has made insufficient efforts to implement its own directives regarding air pollution control. This condemnation comes as the national capital, Delhi, continues to suffer from alarming levels of air pollution, shrouding the city in thick smog and raising health concerns for millions of residents.
The Supreme Court’s remarks came during a hearing where the bench underscored the urgency of addressing the public health crisis stemming from air quality degradation. It highlighted a concerning disconnect between regulatory intentions and actionable measures.
Observing that no effort is being made by the CAQM to implement its own directions, the court stated, “From the affidavit of compliance we find that no effort is being made by CAQM for implementation of its directions, not a single prosecution has been initiated and the last meeting was only held on August 29.”
The CAQM, established to tackle the worsening air quality in Delhi and surrounding regions, was criticized for its lack of effectiveness in enforcing existing regulations and initiatives aimed at pollution reduction.
The judicial intervention underscores the broader implications of air pollution on public health and the environment as the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi remains firmly entrenched in the “very poor” category, with levels of pollutants often exceeding 300 micrograms per cubic meter. Such conditions pose significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Tough Months Ahead
The Supreme Court’s comments come in the wake of mounting public pressure and criticism from environmentalists regarding the CAQM’s performance. Experts have pointed out that despite multiple measures being proposed — ranging from restrictions on construction activities to the implementation of stricter vehicle emission standards — there has been a notable lack of follow-through on these initiatives.
As the Court pressed for immediate action, it called upon the CAQM to present a detailed plan outlining concrete steps to mitigate pollution levels. This demand highlights the urgency of the situation, especially as winter approaches, when air quality typically deteriorates due to factors such as stubble burning in neighbouring states and climatic conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground.
Meanwhile, as Delhi grapples with the ongoing crisis, residents are bracing for a tough few months ahead. The thick morning smog has become a distressing routine for many, with visibility significantly reduced and air quality posing serious health hazards. Citizens have been urged to stay indoors, limit outdoor activities, and use masks when venturing out, as the air becomes increasingly laden with harmful particulates.
Local authorities have also been called to action, implementing measures such as increasing the frequency of dust suppression operations and enhancing public transport systems to reduce vehicular emissions. However, citizens remain sceptical about the efficacy of these efforts, citing a history of incomplete initiatives and insufficient resources allocated to combat pollution.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such hazardous air can lead to a myriad of health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and aggravated asthma conditions. Hospitals in the region are already witnessing a surge in patients suffering from pollution-related ailments, a trend that is likely to escalate as the smog continues to blanket the city.
