Supreme Court links Delhi-NCR pollution to lifestyle choices of afluent sections

The Supreme Court on Monday observed that the continued failure to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR is largely due to the reluctance of the rich and affluent to alter their lifestyles, particularly their dependence on polluting modes of transport and high-emission conveniences.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi made the remarks while hearing matters related to deteriorating air quality in the national capital region. The court noted that despite a series of judicial directions and the introduction of multiple anti-pollution protocols over the years, air quality continues to remain at severe levels, especially during the winter months.

The observations came after amicus curiae and senior advocate Aparajita Singh informed the court that pollution levels continue to pose serious health risks to residents of Delhi-NCR, even though the Supreme Court has passed several orders aimed at mitigating the crisis. The Bench underlined that vehicular emissions remain a dominant contributor and stressed that the burden of pollution is disproportionately borne by the poor and working class.

As reported by The Times of India, data submitted by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in an affidavit showed that the transport sector accounts for 41 per cent of the pollution load in Delhi-NCR’s ambient air. Dust and construction activities contribute 21 per cent, industries 19 per cent, power plants 5 per cent, residential activities 3 per cent, and other sources 11 per cent. The affidavit also clarified that while these are constant sources of pollution, stubble burning is a seasonal factor limited to a brief period each year.

The court also took note of complaints that sporting events for children were being conducted despite restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court, exposing school-going children to hazardous air quality. As the Bench agreed to hear the matter again on Wednesday, it directed all counsel to route their suggestions through the amicus curiae to avoid duplication of arguments.