NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has directed Delhi and three neighbouring states to detail the measures taken to prevent over-age and non-compliant vehicles from entering and operating in the National Capital Region (NCR), citing a sharp rise in vehicular emissions and calling for urgent intervention.The governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, along with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Police, have been asked to submit their responses within two weeks, outlining both existing enforcement measures and additional short-term and long-term steps to reduce vehicular pollution.A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana also sought details of the regulatory framework governing the entry and movement of commercial and private vehicles in Delhi-NCR, particularly those coming from neighbouring states.The authorities have been asked to explain how vehicles that do not meet prescribed emission standards are identified and regulated, including enforcement of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification requirements.The court observed that Delhi-NCR bears the combined burden of vehicles originating within the region as well as those entering from neighbouring states. It also flagged the…
'Warrants urgent attention': SC flags vehicle pollution in Delhi-NCR, seeks action plan
In short
The Supreme Court bench, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, ordered Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan to submit comprehensive vehicular pollution mitigation plans within two weeks. The court instructed municipal and police bodies to report specific data concerning vehicle inspections, entry denials, and the enforcement of Pollution Under Control certifications. Authorities were additionally directed to incorporate short- and long-term roadmaps, as well as feedback on proposals from the Commission for Air Quality Management and the amicus curiae. The directives stemmed from a November 6 suo motu proceeding, with further hearings scheduled for November 23.
Key points
- Multi-state coordination is required to address cross-border traffic and aging vehicles o…: Multi-state coordination is required to address cross-border traffic and aging vehicles operating in the National Capital Region.
- State administrations must formally evaluate and answer recommendations submitted by the…: State administrations must formally evaluate and answer recommendations submitted by the amicus curiae and the air quality commission.
- The Supreme Court will reconvene on November 23 to evaluate the proposed enforcement fram…: The Supreme Court will reconvene on November 23 to evaluate the proposed enforcement frameworks and traffic measures.