New Delhi— The Supreme Court on Monday advised the Centre and concerned authorities to revisit and reassess their existing action plans to combat air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), questioning whether the measures implemented so far have delivered any meaningful change.
A Bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud Kant asked officials to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of each step taken under the current framework. “Why don’t you revisit your action plan to see whether you have brought any effective change? And if you have, are they less than what is needed? It is important to assess whether your action plans have been effective, ineffective, or insufficient,” the CJI said, urging authorities to reflect on the systemic gaps in curbing pollution.
The Court questioned Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), about the factors contributing to rising pollution apart from stubble burning. It observed that blaming farmers alone was simplistic and unfair, especially when they are not represented before the Court. It also stressed the need for scientific analysis of all pollution sources.
“Stubble burning was happening as usual. Why could people see blue skies 4–5 years ago? Why not now?” the Bench remarked.
The Court said it would monitor the issue closely and hear the matter at least twice every month. While it acknowledged that pollution levels may ease after winter, it warned that without structural changes, “history will repeat itself.” The next hearing is scheduled for December 10.
Even as the Court discussed policy shortcomings, Delhi’s air quality remained in the “poor” category. According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) climbed to 299 at 7 a.m. on Monday, up from 279 the previous evening.
Nehru Nagar recorded the city’s highest AQI at 354, slipping into the “very poor” zone. Other severely affected areas included Rohini (341), Bawana (339), RK Puram (336), Mundka (330), and Punjabi Bagh (328). At the lower end, NSIT Dwarka registered an AQI of 195 (“moderate”), followed by Mandir Marg at 207 and IGI Airport T3 at 248.
Several other stations — Anand Vihar (325), Jahangirpuri (321), Vivek Vihar (321), Shadipur (324), and Pusa (322) — also continued to report “very poor” air quality.
Despite the current spike, officials say the region has shown notable improvement this year. Delhi recorded an average AQI of 187 for the January–November period — its best in eight years, excluding 2020, when lockdowns drastically reduced emissions. The figures mark an improvement over 201 in 2024 and show cleaner air compared to levels recorded between 2018 and 2023.
The CPCB defines AQI levels from 0 to 500 across six categories, ranging from “Good” to “Severe.” While values up to 100 pose minimal risk, the “poor” (201–300) and “very poor” (301–400) categories can cause respiratory issues, especially with prolonged exposure. Levels above 400 are considered “severe,” posing grave health risks for all.
