Air Quality: Supreme Court Asks CAQM For Steps to Control Pollution, Stubble Burning

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to speed up the efforts that need to be taken to ensure that stubble-burning alternative equipment is used at the grassroots level.

“CAQM has taken certain steps but needs to be more active and must ensure that its efforts and directions actually translate into reducing the problem of pollution,” the Supreme Court said. 

Supreme Court also directed the CAQM to file a better compliance report and post the matter for hearing on October 3. 

Be More Active, says SQ To CAQM 

Earlier, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that a 'Winter Action Plan', based on 21 focus areas, is ready to tackle pollution during the winter months.

Key areas include vehicle and dust pollution, work-from-home measures, stubble and garbage burning, industrial pollution, upgrading the War Room and Green App, coordination with the central government and neighbouring states, and emergency preparations like the odd-even scheme and artificial rain.

According to the official release, key initiatives include the establishment of a special task force to combat pollution, with the environment department designated as the nodal agency. To address dust pollution, several organizations—including PWD, MCD, DCB, NDMC, DDA, CPWD, I&FC, DSIIDC, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Metro, NHAI, and the Revenue Department—have been appointed as nodal agencies. Additionally, PWD and MCD will oversee the operation of mobile anti-smog guns.

PWD and the MCD have been appointed as nodal agencies for the operation of mobile anti-smog guns.

To control pollution caused by vehicles, the Delhi Traffic Police, Transport Department, DIMTS, DTC, and Delhi Metro have been appointed as nodal agencies.The Development and Revenue Department has been made the nodal agency for the problem of pollution caused by the burning of stubble, among others.