The Supreme Court is pushing for mandatory hologram-based color-coded stickers on vehicles nationwide to combat air pollution, initially approved in 2018 for the NCR. These stickers, differentiating vehicles by fuel type (blue for petrol/CNG, orange for diesel), help enforce pollution control measures like GRAP. Despite directives, compliance remains low, with over 50% of vehicles in Delhi-NCR still lacking stickers. The Court may extend the mandate to all states using its powers under Article 142, emphasizing stricter implementation to curb pollution. The matter will be reviewed further on January 15.
The Supreme Court of India on Thursday (19th Dec) expressed serious concerns over Delhi’s solid waste crisis, urging the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation to submit a detailed affidavit outlining waste management compliance and fire prevention measures at illegal dumping sites. The Court highlighted the urgent need for corrective actions due to rising untreated waste levels.
Today, On 19th December, To tackle rising air pollution, the Supreme Court ordered states in the National Capital Region (NCR) to set up teams to enforce the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Court also instructed Uttar Pradesh and Haryana to ban firecrackers in the NCR to help lower pollution. These actions are meant to improve air quality and protect public health during times of high pollution. The decision highlights the need for NCR states to work together to address environmental issues.
The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL by Tsunami On Roads, seeking oil companies to use CSR funds for enhancing public transport in polluted cities like Delhi. While the court rejected the direct allocation, it allowed the petitioner to approach authorities like the EPCA for consideration of their proposal regarding air pollution mitigation.
The Special Protection Group (SPG) appealed to the Supreme Court for a five-year extension on the registration of three armoured vehicles, after the National Green Tribunal denied their request. Concerns arose about the SPG seeking NGT approval instead of the Supreme Court, particularly amid air pollution monitoring efforts in Delhi. A hearing is scheduled for December 16.
The Supreme Court Today (Dec 12) directed Delhi government and other National Capital Region (NCR) States – Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan – to take a final call on prohibiting the use of firecrackers throughout the year. A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih asked the states to place their decisions on record before the top court. “The ban is required not only to curb the air pollution but noise pollution as well”: Apex Court added.
The Supreme Court On Thursday (5th Dec) criticized Delhi Chief Secretary Dharmendra for failing to ensure full compensation for construction workers amid air quality measures. Justices questioned delays in payments despite previous directives and demanded immediate resolution. The government was directed to inform unregistered workers about their rights and enhance registration efforts in the ongoing pollution crisis response.
The Supreme Court on Thursday (28th Nov) upheld emergency measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi’s air pollution until December 2, criticizing authorities for failing to enforce restrictions. The court urged prompt action against officials and called for alternative strategies as air quality continues to deteriorate.
Advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan raised concerns about construction activities within the Supreme Court premises during a hearing on air pollution in Delhi. The court criticized the Delhi government for failing to enforce construction bans. Delhi’s air quality reached severe levels, prompting emergency measures, including school closures and construction pauses, to address the crisis.
The Supreme Court Today (Nov 11) took critical note that the governments in Punjab and Haryana remained reluctant to act against farmers who resort to stubble burning in the fields, leading to a rise in air pollution. A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih also asked how the stubble burning incidents had seen a rise on the day of Diwali recently.
