Supreme Court Emphasises Long-Term Air Pollution Control over Year-Round Emergency Curbs

Context:

• The Supreme Court examined measures to control air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region amid recurring seasonal spikes in pollution levels.

• The case focused on whether emergency pollution control measures should be enforced throughout the year or limited to critical periods.

• The court stressed the need for a sustainable and long-term policy-driven approach, rather than permanent emergency restrictions.

Key Highlights:

Judicial Observations and Ruling

• The Supreme Court declined to impose year-long restrictions under GRAP Stage I onwards.

• A bench led by Chief Justice B. R. Gavai underlined that air pollution requires structural and long-term solutions, not perpetual emergency responses.

• The court acknowledged earlier judicial interventions but emphasized policy continuity beyond judicial directions.

• Next hearing scheduled for November 19, where progress on implementation will be reviewed.

Stubble Burning and Inter-State Responsibility

• The court directed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to strictly implement directives issued by the CAQM to curb stubble burning.

• Stubble burning was identified as a major seasonal contributor to Delhi-NCR air pollution.

• States were asked to ensure:

  • On-ground enforcement

  • Farmer-level compliance

  • Adoption of alternative residue management practices

Role of Expert Institutions and Executive Coordination

• The court acknowledged its institutional limitations in prescribing technical restrictions.

• It deferred to expert bodies for determining:

  • Appropriate pollution thresholds

  • Activity-based restrictions

• The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) was directed to coordinate with:

  • Punjab

  • Haryana

  • Uttar Pradesh

  • Rajasthan
    to prepare a comprehensive and integrated action plan.

Monitoring and Transparency Concerns

• Allegations surfaced regarding water spraying near pollution monitoring stations, potentially affecting pollution readings.

• The Delhi Government was directed to file an affidavit detailing:

  • Type of equipment used

  • Purpose of spraying

  • Effectiveness and impact on air quality data

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS Paper 2 (Governance):

  • Judicial–executive coordination

  • Role of expert bodies in policymaking

  • Federal cooperation in environmental governance

• GS Paper 3 (Environment & Ecology):

  • Air pollution management

  • Sustainable environmental policy

  • Agricultural practices and environmental impact

• Prelims:

  • GRAP, CAQM, stubble burning

  • Institutional roles in air pollution control

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