Taking stern action over rising air pollution, the Supreme Court asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas to file an affidavit. The top court sought details from the Commission on what measures have been taken to curb air pollution.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. V. Chandran said officials should not act only when the situation worsens but must take preventive steps before it turns into a menace.
Senior counsel Aparajita Singh, who is assisting the Apex Court as amicus curiae, said that during Diwali, several air quality monitoring stations were not functioning and only nine out of 37 stations were active. Singh said it becomes difficult to implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) if the air quality monitoring stations do not function properly.
The top court said that the Commission must clarify what steps it has taken to prevent pollution from reaching the “severe” level. The court directed the CAQM to file a detailed affidavit mentioning the actions already taken and those proposed. The court also stated that agencies must focus on “preparedness” rather than merely “reaction.”
Counsel representing the CAQM told the court that pollution data lies with the National Pollution Control Board. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati assured the top court that all agencies will soon file their reports in this regard.
