The Supreme Court has asked key Union ministries to submit a joint proposal to phase out coal-based industries in Delhi-NCR as part of long-term pollution control measures. The Court will also examine vehicular pollution on March 12 amid rising concerns over worsening air quality in the region.
The Supreme Court on Monday took a strong step in its ongoing efforts to tackle Delhi-NCR’s serious air pollution problem. The Court asked several key Central ministries to respond to a major proposal that suggests shifting all coal-based industries out of the Delhi-NCR region as part of long-term pollution control measures.
A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Ministry of Power to jointly examine the issue and submit a clear proposal before the Court.
The judges said the Centre must carefully study how coal-based industries currently operating in the National Capital Region (NCR) can be phased out in a planned and practical manner. The Bench passed a specific direction, stating,
“The proposal shall firstly identify the industries and determine what alternative fuel sources can be provided for them,”
the bench ordered.
This means the ministries must not only list all coal-dependent industries in NCR but also suggest cleaner and workable fuel alternatives so that these industries can continue operations without harming the environment.
In addition to this, the Court also asked the ministries to respond to a key suggestion — that no new coal-based thermal power plant should be allowed within a 300-kilometre radius of Delhi. This direction is aimed at preventing further pollution load in and around the capital region.
The states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan were also brought into the process. The Court directed these states to issue public notices inviting suggestions and objections from all concerned stakeholders, especially coal-based industries operating in the NCR. Importantly, the Court clarified that these notices will be treated as deemed service by the court, meaning industries cannot later claim they were not informed.
The three states have further been instructed to prepare and submit an “Action Taken Plan” explaining the feedback they receive from industries and other stakeholders. This plan must clearly show how the states intend to address concerns while ensuring pollution control goals are met.
The Supreme Court also focused on the role of the Delhi government. It directed the Government of NCT of Delhi to present a detailed and practical action plan to implement the long-term recommendations made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
The Court emphasised that the Commission has already identified which agencies are responsible for various measures. Referring to this, the Bench said,
“The Commission has identified the concerned agencies expected to take action. We consequently direct the Delhi government to submit a proposed action plan to give effect to these measures,”
the court said.
Apart from coal-based industries, the Court also took note of pollution caused by construction and demolition activities, which contribute significantly to dust pollution in the NCR. The judges sought responses from all stakeholders regarding CAQM’s recommendations to control dust emissions at construction sites.
The matter is part of the Supreme Court’s continuous monitoring of air quality in the National Capital Region. The Bench has fixed March 12 as the next date of hearing, when it will also examine the issue of vehicular pollution in detail, especially in light of recommendations made by the CAQM.
By asking for coordinated proposals from Central ministries, action plans from state governments, and implementation strategies from the Delhi government, the Supreme Court has made it clear that structural and long-term solutions are necessary to tackle Delhi’s recurring air pollution crisis.
This case highlights the Court’s proactive role in environmental governance and its insistence on accountability from both Central and State authorities in addressing one of India’s most pressing public health concerns.
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