New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and state pollution control boards to devise concrete measures within three weeks to tackle worsening air quality ahead of the winter season.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran also pulled up states for leaving key posts vacant in their pollution control boards. Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan were told to complete pending appointments within three months. The Court extended a six-month window for filling promotional posts in CAQM, CPCB, and state boards.
The judges stressed that staff shortages during peak pollution months severely undermine efforts to control the crisis. “Inadequate manpower worsens the problem when the situation demands urgent action,” the bench observed.
CAQM, set up by the Centre, is tasked with monitoring and improving air quality across the National Capital Region and nearby states. The Court was hearing a suo motu case on long-pending vacancies and posted the matter for further hearing on October 8.
