The Supreme Court of India on Monday pointed a sharp finger at the wealthy residents of Delhi-NCR, stating their reluctance to change polluting lifestyles is a major reason why the capital's air quality remains dangerously toxic. The court expressed frustration over the ineffectiveness of its own orders and anti-pollution protocols.
Judicial Frustration Over Unheeded Orders
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, made these observations. The hearing was prompted by complaints from amicus curiae and senior advocate Aparajita Singh. She informed the court that despite multiple Supreme Court directives, air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region continues to hover at severe levels, causing serious public health issues.
"Implementation of these orders and taking action as per the protocols has always remained tardy," Singh stated. Echoing this concern, the CJI-led bench remarked, "The Supreme Court has passed a number of orders, yet the situation remains unchanged. What is the solution? We must pass practical orders which can be implemented. Otherwise, people will continue to flout it."
The Affluent Class and the Pollution Burden
The court specifically highlighted the role of the affluent in perpetuating the crisis. CJI Surya Kant noted that this section of society often ignores restrictions, continuing to use large diesel vehicles, generators, and other polluting gadgets. "People need to understand the need of the hour and change their lifestyles," he emphasized.
The bench underscored the inequitable impact of pollution, stating that it is the poor and working class who are most exposed to the toxic air and suffer the most from its health consequences. The court's remarks were informed by a recent affidavit from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
Breaking Down the Pollution Sources
The CAQM data presented a clear breakdown of the pollution load on Delhi-NCR's ambient air:
- Transport Sector: 41%
- Dust and Construction: 21%
- Industry: 19%
- Power Plants: 5%
- Residential Activities: 3%
- Other Sources: 11%
The affidavit clarified that while factors like vehicles and construction are constant sources, stubble burning is a periodic cause limited to a short span each year.
Children's Health and Upcoming Hearing
During the proceedings, the amicus curiae raised another critical issue. She complained that despite a Supreme Court ban on schools and organizations conducting sporting events for children during hazardous air quality, organizers are sidestepping these restrictions. This, she argued, puts the well-being of students at grave risk.
Another counsel separately raised concerns about the health of school-going children during severe pollution episodes. The bench, aiming for efficiency, directed all advocates to submit their suggestions to the amicus curiae. The court stated that judicial time could not be spent hearing multiple arguments on the same issue, and only the amicus would make consolidated submissions.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the matter of Delhi-NCR's air pollution again on Wednesday, seeking concrete solutions to the perennial crisis.
