NEW DELHI: Taking a firm stance on the deteriorating air quality in the national capital region, the Supreme Court of India on Monday directed the Central Government to examine the feasibility of shifting all coal-based industries out of Delhi-NCR. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and including Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, suggested a phased transition away from coal to cleaner energy sources to mitigate the perennial smog choking the region. The court has specifically asked the government to consider a moratorium on commissioning any new coal-fired power plants within a 300-kilometer radius of Delhi.
The bench emphasized the need for a collaborative roadmap involving the Ministries of Environment, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Power. This joint proposal must detail which specific industries would be impacted, the timeline for their relocation or closure, and the viable alternative fuels that can be provided to sustain industrial operations without compromising environmental standards. Furthermore, the court addressed the significant contribution of construction and demolition activities to dust pollution, inviting all stakeholders to submit practical solutions based on the latest recommendations from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
In addition to industrial and construction-related measures, the Supreme Court has set its sights on vehicular emissions. The bench announced that it would evaluate the issue of automobile pollution on March 12, using the CAQM’s suggestions as a primary investigative tool. All involved parties, including the Delhi Government (GNCTD) and neighboring state administrations, have been instructed to submit their detailed action plans and reports regarding long-term pollution control measures before the next hearing date.
The court’s directives also placed a significant responsibility on the Delhi Government to present a comprehensive plan for implementing CAQM’s long-term recommendations. By mandating that official notices serve as formal warnings to states, the bench signaled that it would no longer tolerate delays in executing environmental safeguards. The goal is to move beyond temporary fixes and establish a permanent, sustainable framework that ensures the residents of the national capital region can breathe cleaner air throughout the year.
