Delhi Air Pollution Crisis : The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over rising air pollution in Delhi-NCR. During the hearing, the amicus curiae highlighted the alarming situation, stating that people in the national capital are breathing air that carries risks equivalent to smoking 30 cigarettes every day. She cautioned that stubble burning alone cannot be blamed for the pollution, as emissions from transportation and vehicles are also major contributors. During the proceedings, the Chief Justice of India questioned what steps were being taken to control pollution while people continued to enjoy Delhi’s pleasant weather.

Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over Pollution
During the hearing, the Chief Justice of India said that while everyone enjoys Delhi’s weather, attention must also be paid to the efforts being made to reduce pollution. In response, amicus curiae Aparajita informed the court that Delhi’s Air Quality Index remained in the severe category. She also pointed out that pollution was affecting people’s voices as well.

Questions Raised Over Relief From Rainfall
The CJI observed that recent rainfall had brought some reduction in pollution levels. However, the amicus curiae clarified that Delhi’s air was already polluted and incidents of stubble burning further worsened the situation. According to her, the transportation sector is the biggest source of pollution in the NCR, while stubble burning is also among the major contributing factors.

Vehicles From Other States Add Pollution
The amicus curiae identified the large number of vehicles in Delhi as a significant reason behind the pollution. The CJI noted that the problem was not limited to vehicles registered in the capital. Vehicles also enter Delhi from different parts of the country, making it difficult to monitor their condition and emissions. Even a vehicle entering the capital for just a few hours can contribute to pollution.

Government Explains Preparations For PUC Checks
During the hearing, the Additional Solicitor General informed the court about the steps taken by the government. He said that the process of issuing PUC, or Pollution Under Control certificates, at pollution testing centres was being geo-tagged. Measures were also being taken to stop vehicles that visibly emit excessive smoke.

Farmers Face Fuel Shortage For Equipment
On the issue of stubble burning, the amicus curiae said that the central and state governments had provided farmers with machines and equipment, but purchasing fuel to operate them was proving expensive for small farmers. She also referred to delays in paddy sowing caused by the Water Preservation Act. The CJI said that incidents of stubble burning were declining and farmers were now preparing for wheat sowing. The hearing also included a discussion about Diwali gifts and the commercialisation of festivals. Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that reducing festivals merely to goods and transactions was also a problem.