Politics · India Bureau
Supreme Court orders crackdown on vehicle emissions across Delhi-NCR
India's top court has expressed concern over surging vehicular emissions in the capital region and directed governments across Delhi and three neighbouring states to outline measures to restrict older, polluting vehicles. The bench has sought detailed responses on enforcement mechanisms and long-term strategies to improve air quality.
LSN India ·
The Supreme Court has called for urgent intervention to tackle the sharp rise in vehicular emissions across the National Capital Region, citing serious threats to air quality. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant directed the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana to submit comprehensive reports detailing steps undertaken to prevent over-age vehicles from entering and operating within the NCR.
The court also sought responses from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Police on enforcement actions and proposed measures to mitigate vehicular pollution. Authorities have been asked to outline both short-term interventions and long-term strategies aimed at reducing the transport sector's contribution to the region's deteriorating air quality.
The apex court has specifically directed state and city authorities to file detailed accounts of mechanisms currently in place to identify, monitor and regulate non-compliant vehicles. This includes enforcement of mandatory Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification requirements, which serve as a key indicator of vehicle emission standards compliance.
The direction comes as Delhi-NCR grapples with seasonal air quality deterioration, with vehicular pollution identified as a significant contributor. The court's intervention underscores judicial pressure on authorities to strengthen regulatory oversight and environmental compliance in the region's transport sector.