Supreme Court of India Orders States to Curb NCR Emissions

The Supreme Court of India ordered the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana to implement immediate measures to curb rising vehicular emissions in the National Capital Region. During a suo motu hearing on November 6, a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant observed that while stubble burning has declined, vehicular traffic from neighboring states has become a primary driver of deteriorating air quality.

The court directed these state governments, the Delhi Police, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to provide detailed responses within two weeks. These responses must address the regulation of over-age and non-compliant vehicles, the enforcement of Pollution Under Control certifications, and the establishment of inter-state coordination mechanisms.

The central government informed the court that restrictions on vehicles below BS-VI standards are currently being implemented. The court has scheduled further hearings on vehicular emissions for November 23, with additional pollution-related cases set for late November.