Archive · 22 Jan 2026
SC Directs Action on Delhi-NCR Pollution Measures
The Supreme Court of India has asked the central government, Delhi government, and other groups to make a plan within four weeks to follow the suggestions made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to improve the air quality in Delhi and nearby areas.
The CAQM has identified that vehicles are the biggest cause of pollution and has suggested 15 long-term measures to make the air cleaner.
These measures include phasing out old, polluting vehicles, improving public transport like Metro and buses, and setting up more charging stations for electric vehicles.
The court has also said that it will not accept any objections to these measures and wants them to be implemented without delay.
The CAQM has been working with experts to find the main causes of pollution and has recommended solutions like reducing traffic congestion at toll plazas and stopping the burning of waste and crop stubble.
The goal is to make the air in Delhi and its surrounding areas healthier to breathe.
The Supreme Court directed the Centre, Delhi government, and stakeholders to submit action plans within four weeks on CAQM's long-term measures to improve Delhi-NCR's AQI.
CAQM identified vehicular emissions as the primary contributor to air pollution and recommended 15 long-term measures, including phasing out polluting vehicles and expanding public transport.
The court emphasized that it will not entertain any objections to the recommended measures and urged immediate implementation.
CAQM suggested installing a Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system at toll plazas by October 2026 to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
The measures also include reviewing and revising electric vehicle policies, expanding EV charging infrastructure, and intensifying enforcement through technology-based solutions.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, CAQM, Delhi government, Centre, stakeholders
- What
- Directives to submit action plans on CAQM's long-term measures for improving Delhi-NCR's AQI
- When
- January 21, 2026
- Where
- Delhi-NCR, India
- Why
- To address the worsening air quality and implement long-term solutions
- Court's Deadline
- 4 weeks to submit action plans
- CAQM's Long-Term Measures
- 15 measures recommended
- Primary Pollution Source
- Vehicular emissions
- Expert Panel
- IITs, academia, research institutes, NGOs
- Toll Plaza Solution
- MLFF system by October 2026
- EV Policy
- Review and revision for zero tailpipe emissions
- Industrial Pollution
- No new thermal power plants within 300 km of Delhi
- Dust Pollution
- Abatement measures for construction and road dust
Sources
Delhi's Toxic Air Crisis: AQI Crosses 300 in 31 Areas - How Cold the Capital Is Today?
Delhi records ‘very poor’ air quality as AQI stands at 341
Fog continues to hit rail services
GRAP 4 restrictions revoked in Delhi as air quality improves marginally
Delhi’s air quality continues to stay in the “very poor” category, even after slight improvement.
‘Not inclined to entertain any objections’: SC gives agencies 4 weeks to act on Delhi-NCR pollution measures
SC asks Centre, Delhi govt to submit action plan on CAQM recommendations to improve air pollution
Vehicular pollution highest contributor to air pollution in Delhi-NCR: CAQM tells SC
GRAP 4 Restrictions Lifted In Delhi As AQI Improves Slightly to 'Very Poor'
Delhi air in ‘very poor’ category; AQI at 330
Delhi govt doubles parking charges under GRAP 3, 4 to discourage use of private vehicles
Explainer: Unravelling the Delhi air pollution riddle
Delhi Weather To Turn Wet Today as IMD Predicts Rain; Will It Improve AQI or Intensify Winter Chill?
Delhi weather today: IMD predicts lightning and gusty winds for Thursday, AQI remains ‘very poor’
Air quality in city very poor
