“No Single Cause, No Quick Fix” Supreme Court on Delhi’s Air Crisis

New Delhi: The Supreme Court described Delhi’s persistent air pollution crisis as a matter that affects every resident, expressing concern that the issue receives attention only during peak smog periods. Taking note of a submission calling the situation a health emergency, the Chief Justice questioned what immediate remedy the judiciary could realistically offer, asking what “magic wand” could clear the air in a single day.
The bench acknowledged the urgency but said the pollution challenge is complex, driven by multiple causes that require expert assessment. It stressed that effective solutions must come from domain specialists who can identify all contributing factors and propose sustainable measures. The court observed that while problems have long been recognised, the lack of consistent implementation remains a major obstacle.
Responding to concerns that existing plans remain only on paper, the bench noted that hearings on the issue often become seasonal and said it intends to monitor the matter more regularly. The Chief Justice remarked that the judges themselves face the same air quality issues, adding that he felt unwell after an hour-long walk due to the pollution in the capital. The matter will be heard again on Monday.
The court also recalled its earlier direction to the Commission for Air Quality Management to consider postponing outdoor sports events in schools across Delhi and the NCR to safer months. It had declined to impose year-round restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan, stating that long-term and sustainable steps are more important than emergency curbs.
Recent satellite-based assessments show Delhi ranking as the most polluted among 33 states and Union Territories, with its annual mean PM 2.5 concentration reaching 101 micrograms per cubic metre. This level is more than double India’s national standard and twenty times the World Health Organisation’s guideline. Under the national air quality index, values above 400 are classified as severe, signifying hazardous conditions for public health.