Delhi, 3 November (H.S.): The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to file an affidavit outlining the steps it has taken to prevent air pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region from deteriorating further. The direction came during the hearing of the M.C. Mehta case, which deals with environmental issues in the national capital.

A bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran observed that authorities must act proactively instead of waiting for the air quality to reach the “severe” category before initiating measures. The court stressed that preventive and coordinated action was essential to tackle recurring pollution crises during the winter season.

The bench underscored the need for continuous monitoring and accountability, noting that various agencies often act only after conditions worsen. It said that protecting public health must remain a top priority for both central and state authorities.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, appearing as amicus curiae, highlighted media reports that several air quality monitoring stations in Delhi were non-functional during the Diwali period. Taking note of the issue, the court directed the CAQM to address the malfunctioning monitors and ensure transparency in air quality data reporting.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar