Supreme Court strict on vehicle pollution in Delhi-NCR, seeks reply from four states

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the rising air pollution due to vehicles in Delhi-NCR. Stating the need for immediate intervention in the matter, the court has sought a detailed response from Delhi and four neighboring states within two weeks.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued notices to the governments and concerned authorities of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan besides Delhi, and sought this reply.

The court has specifically sought details about the steps taken to curb smoke from vehicles entering Delhi and those plying in the NCR region.

The Supreme Court remarked that every year with the onset of winter, the air in Delhi turns bad, but the arrangements made by governments at the ground level are proving to be inadequate. The court has asked the states what concrete plans they are implementing to rein in polluting vehicles and improve air quality.

Key developments

• Supreme Court expresses concern over vehicle pollution in Delhi-NCR
• Notice issued to Delhi, Haryana, UP and Rajasthan
• Detailed reply sought within two weeks