The Supreme Court has directed CAQM to stop all outdoor sports activities in NCR schools due to dangerous air pollution levels. The Court compared exposing children to toxic air to placing them “in gas chambers.”
The Supreme Court was told that large-scale stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana has worsened Delhi-NCR’s air quality, violating earlier court orders. CJI B R Gavai said the bench will issue fresh directions on Wednesday.
Delhi government challenges the blanket ban on 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles. Supreme Court may consider shifting to emission-based criteria.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday clarified that farm fires in Punjab are not the only reason behind Delhi’s air pollution problem during winter. While these farm fires do contribute to the city’s air quality issues, the Court directed the Punjab government to work with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to find better ways of managing agricultural waste.
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 of India summoned Delhi’s Chief Secretary for a December 19 appearance due to inadequate enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016. The court threatened contempt action if compliance with prior orders isn’t reported. Concerns extend to air quality management, urging immediate government action on pollution sources, including stubble burning.
Today, On 2nd December, the Supreme Court summoned the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh for failing to comply with an order to provide subsistence allowances to construction workers during pollution bans. The court expressed concerns over air quality measures and emphasized the need for a permanent policy addressing severe pollution levels.
The Supreme Court expressed strong dissatisfaction in today’s hearing (28th Nov) with the government’s non-compliance with anti-pollution measures in Delhi, citing lack of action from authorities. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati defended the government’s efforts, including traffic management directives. Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remains critical, with AQI levels classified as ‘very poor,’ posing health risks to citizens.
Delhi schools have been directed to adopt a “hybrid mode” of learning—combining online and physical classes—due to Supreme Court recommendations amid air quality concerns. This shift addresses educational disruptions, ensuring students can access mid-day meals and accommodate varying resources for online learning, with compliance mandated by the Directorate of Education.
Today, On 25th November, the Supreme Court instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management to evaluate whether physical classes for Standards 10 and 12 in Delhi-NCR can continue amidst rising air pollution. The Court focused on balancing student health and academic needs while highlighting the importance of mid-day meals and the lack of access to clean air at home.
