The Supreme Court directed Delhi and three neighbouring states to detail action against polluting vehicles. The order signals urgent scrutiny of vehicular emissions as stubble-burning incidents decline.The Supreme Court directed Delhi and three neighbouring states to detail action against polluting vehicles. (Representative photo) The Supreme Court has said the sharp rise in vehicular emissions requires urgent intervention and directed Delhi and three neighbouring states to explain the steps taken to stop over-age and non-compliant vehicles from entering or operating in the National Capital Region, news agency Press Trust of India reported.The court asked the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana, along with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and Delhi Police, to submit detailed responses on measures to reduce vehicular emissions and their impact on air quality in Delhi-NCR.A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana sought details of short-term and long-term measures proposed or under consideration.

It also asked the authorities to explain the existing system for identifying, monitoring and regulating vehicles that do not meet prescribed emission standards, including the enforcement of Pollution Under Control certificates.The authorities were directed to provide details of the regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms governing the entry and movement of commercial and non-commercial vehicles in Delhi-NCR, particularly those coming from neighbouring states. The Supreme Court passed the order on November 6 while hearing a suo motu case on measures to curb air pollution in the NCR, PTI reported.The bench noted that data placed before it showed a substantial decline in incidents of stubble burning across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. “While this development is certainly laudable, the same data also brings to the fore a converse and equally pressing concern, namely, the sharp increase in issues attributable to vehicular emissions,” it said.The court said Delhi and the NCR, because of their geographical and economic links, face the combined burden of traffic originating within the region and in the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan.“The situation is further compounded by the substantial volume of both commercial and non-commercial vehicles entering and plying within the city from different parts of the region, thereby adding to the existing vehicular emission load,” it said.“There can be little doubt that the issue warrants urgent and immediate intervention,” the bench said.The court asked the authorities to detail the steps taken to prevent the entry and operation of over-age, end-of-life or otherwise non-compliant vehicles in the NCR.

It also sought information on enforcement action, including the number of vehicles inspected, fined, denied entry or subjected to other proceedings during the relevant period.The bench sought details of coordination between the Delhi authorities and neighbouring states to regulate inter-state vehicle movement and ensure compliance with emission standards.“The respective authorities shall also indicate the specific measures proposed to strengthen the existing enforcement mechanisms, together with a time-bound roadmap for their implementation,” the bench said.The states were asked to file their submissions within two weeks, outlining the steps already taken, their responses to suggestions made by the Commission for Air Quality Management and the amicus curiae, and any further action they independently propose.The Supreme Court registry was directed to list the suo motu case concerning vehicular emissions and pollution in Delhi-NCR on November 23.The court said cases related to the conservation and expansion of green cover would be heard on November 30, while matters concerning pollution from construction activities, power plants and other industries would be listed on November 26.The case concerning solid waste management and the burning of crop residue and firecrackers will be listed on November 25.During the November 6 hearing, the bench expressed serious concern over the recurring air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR and described vehicular emissions as a major contributor to worsening air quality.It also raised concerns over bumper-to-bumper traffic and highlighted the large number of vehicles using roads connecting Delhi with Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad.The Centre informed the bench that restrictions on the entry of vehicles below BS-VI emission standards were being implemented. It also said Pollution Under Control certificates were being linked to the locations where vehicle checks were conducted, according to PTI.- Ends