The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) informed the Supreme Court that vehicular emissions are the leading cause of Delhi-NCR’s air pollution. It proposed 15 long-term measures, including phasing out old vehicles, boosting public transport, EV adoption, and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
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NEW DELHI: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) informed the Supreme Court of India that vehicular emissions are the single largest contributor to deteriorating air quality in the Delhi-NCR region, and proposed 15 long-term measures to curb pollution and improve the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Appearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing CAQM, highlighted findings from a meta-analysis of studies conducted between 2015 and 2025.
The analysis attributes PM2.5 pollution in Delhi-NCR to a combination of primary emissions and secondary particulate formation, largely originating from sources within the National Capital Region (NCR).
Findings on Vehicular Pollution in Delhi-NCR
According to CAQM, the rapid growth of vehicles, traffic congestion, outdated automobiles, and insufficient public transport infrastructure have significantly worsened air quality. Vehicular emissions contribute heavily to PM2.5 and PM10 levels, posing severe health risks to residents.
To address this, CAQM has recommended the phased implementation of 15 long-term measures focusing on cleaner transport, stricter enforcement, and technological intervention.
15 Long-Term Measures Recommended by CAQM
The proposed measures include:
- Time-bound phasing out of old and highly polluting vehicles from Delhi-NCR based on emission potential.
- Strengthening PUC 2.0 norms and monitoring on-road vehicles using remote sensing devices.
- Expansion of Metro Rail and Regional Rail Transport with additional lines and stations across Delhi-NCR.
- Development of multi-modal transport hubs integrating Metro and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).
- Ensuring last-mile connectivity with real-time passenger information systems and location-based tracking.
- Revision of Electric Vehicle (EV) policies to accelerate the transition to zero tailpipe emission vehicles, along with higher incentives for scrapping old vehicles.
- Rapid expansion of EV charging infrastructure, including battery-swapping stations.
- Permitting retrofitting of vehicles to EVs, subject to certification by ARAI/ICAT.
- Augmentation of public bus services using E-buses and CNG buses based on MoHUA service benchmarks.
- Expansion of CNG/LNG fuel networks across NCR and highways to promote cleaner long-haul trucking.
- Installation of ANPR cameras and RFID systems for seamless multi-lane free-flow toll and cess collection at Delhi borders.
- Deployment of integrated traffic management systems in Delhi and major NCR cities, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Meerut, and Sonipat.
- Implementation of structured parking management plans across Delhi-NCR.
- The imposition of higher environmental protection charges to discourage polluting vehicles.
- Enhanced enforcement using advanced technology, including AI-driven surveillance, ANPR, RFID, and remote sensing tools.
The Supreme Court has been closely monitoring air pollution control measures in Delhi-NCR, particularly during the winter months when AQI levels often reach “severe” and “hazardous” categories. The CAQM’s submissions highlight the urgent need for systemic transport reforms rather than temporary emergency measures.
Case Title:
MC Mehta v. Union of India
