Supreme Court Pulls up CAQM For Lax Approach To Delhi-NCR Air Pollution, Seeks Expert-Backed Action Plan

The Supreme Court criticised the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its lack of seriousness in tackling persistent air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The Court observed that expert bodies have given widely varying assessments of pollution sources, reflecting the absence of a coordinated approach. Noting that air quality has continued to deteriorate despite repeated interventions, the Court said CAQM’s status note failed to address key concerns raised earlier.

The Court directed CAQM to convene a meeting of domain experts within two weeks, identify the major causes of AQI deterioration, and submit a comprehensive report in the public domain.

It also asked CAQM to simultaneously examine long-term solutions and their phased implementation.

[MC Mehta v. UOI]