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HomeLatestUrgent Measures Needed for Delhi Waste and Air Pollution

Urgent Measures Needed for Delhi Waste and Air Pollution

Urgent Measures Needed for Delhi Waste and Air Pollution

The Supreme Court has taken a robust stance on tackling the air pollution crisis in Delhi, pushing for swift implementation of measures to address both the short-term and long-term environmental challenges faced by the National Capital Region (NCR). On 27 January, a bench led by Justice A.S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan held hearings that aimed at enforcing strict compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM), addressing pollution from thermal power plants, and curbing vehicular emissions in the region. The court has been monitoring the pollution crisis since November 2024, emphasising that air quality improvements are only the beginning and that comprehensive, sustained efforts are essential to avoid annual smog crises in the future.

In their latest ruling, the Court directed the closure of power plants contributing heavily to pollution, including thermal units that account for around 8% of the pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. The delay in complying with emission norms under the Environment Protection Rules, 1986, has been a point of contention. Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh, assisting the Court, pointed out that several plants had failed to meet deadlines, which were further extended due to the pandemic. The Court expressed its concern over repeated deadline extensions, questioning whether such delays are allowing power plants to continue polluting unchecked. In response, Justice Oka instructed the government to categorise power plants into “retiring” and “non-retiring” units, with a focus on enforcing immediate compliance, especially for those in proximity to critically polluted areas.

Another significant development from the hearing was the implementation of colour-coded stickers on vehicles in the NCR. This mandate, first introduced in 2018, is now extended to vehicles purchased after 1 April 2019, with penalties for non-compliance. The Court, while modifying the earlier order, emphasised that the issuance of stickers indicating fuel type—whether petrol, diesel, or CNG—would help curb pollution by distinguishing between vehicles that contribute to smog and those that do not. The Court also directed all NCR states to submit affidavits detailing how older vehicles would comply with this mandate. Vehicles found non-compliant could face penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Solid Waste Management: A Critical Environmental Issue for Delhi

However, one of the most pressing concerns raised during the hearing was the issue of untreated solid waste in Delhi. The Court took strong note of the 3,000 tonnes of waste generated daily, with a large portion remaining untreated. Justice Oka criticised the timeline for addressing this problem, which was proposed to be completed by December 2027. While the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) promised improvements, the Court remained unconvinced, stressing that the untreated waste would continue to grow in the meantime. The Court also highlighted the inefficiency in implementing the SWM Rules, particularly the lack of enforcement among bulk waste generators—institutions producing over 100 kg of waste daily. Despite the rules applying to various sectors, only a fraction of waste generators had been identified, leading to widespread non-compliance.

To address this, the Court has directed the Delhi government to step up enforcement of the SWM Rules, particularly Rule 4, which mandates waste segregation and disposal by bulk generators. The Court’s decision also included the formation of special teams to oversee compliance, with penalties for violations under the Environment Protection Act. The Court has warned that continued non-compliance could lead to drastic measures, including halting construction activities in Delhi. This move underscores the urgency of implementing sustainable waste management systems to reduce the environmental burden on the city.

Sustainability Measures in Focus: A Call for Collective Effort

The Supreme Court’s intervention goes beyond enforcing rules—it represents a call for collective action against the growing pollution crisis. By focusing on both immediate solutions and long-term strategies, the Court is pushing for a multi-pronged approach to reduce pollution levels. The directives on thermal power plants, waste management, and vehicular emissions all aim at curbing the environmental impact while promoting a cleaner, more sustainable future for Delhi and the NCR region.

Sustainability is at the core of these efforts. From encouraging electric vehicles to ensuring efficient waste segregation and disposal, the Court’s orders are geared towards creating an urban ecosystem that is not just liveable but also environmentally responsible. The measures aim to address the environmental, social, and economic aspects of pollution, acknowledging the importance of a coordinated response to ensure lasting change. While the challenges are substantial, the Court’s active involvement signals that a more sustainable, pollution-free Delhi is within reach—if the government and citizens act swiftly.

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