India’s Supreme Court, taking a strong stand against the escalating air pollution crisis in New Delhi, has directed authorities to establish checkpoints at all 113 entry points to the city. The mandate aims to curb the influx of polluting vehicles into the capital, which has been engulfed in hazardous smog throughout November.
This decisive intervention comes amidst mounting public outrage over the government’s inability to effectively address the chronic winter smog that plagues the city’s 30 million residents. Pollution levels in Delhi have soared to over 60 times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended daily limit, posing severe health risks to its citizens.
New Delhi, a sprawling urban hub, faces one of the world’s worst air quality crises. The annual phenomenon, often dubbed “smog season,” is exacerbated by a deadly cocktail of vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and agricultural burning in neighboring states. Winter conditions, characterized by cooler temperatures and stagnant air, trap these pollutants over the city, leading to an alarming rise in respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
A study published in The Lancet medical journal highlights the grim reality: 1.67 million premature deaths in India were attributed to air pollution in 2019 alone. In a landmark ruling last month, the Supreme Court declared clean air a fundamental human right, compelling authorities to adopt more aggressive measures to combat this public health emergency.
Court Criticizes Lax Enforcement
On Friday, the court expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement of existing measures to ban the entry of polluting diesel-powered trucks and other commercial vehicles into New Delhi. According to reports, only 13 of the city’s 113 entry points were actively manned, leaving a significant gap in compliance.
“So far as compliance is concerned, we are not satisfied,” the bench remarked, as quoted by the legal news platform Livelaw. An official appointed by the court revealed the glaring enforcement lapse, prompting the bench to demand immediate corrective action.
“The percentage of pollution caused by these trucks is a very large percentage,” the judges observed. “As far as entry of trucks is concerned, there is no implementation.”
The court ordered the Delhi government and police to expedite the establishment of checkpoints at the remaining 100 entry points to the city, emphasizing that any delay would worsen the city’s pollution woes.
An Inadequate Patchwork of Measures
Delhi authorities have implemented a range of piecemeal initiatives to tackle the annual smog crisis, but with limited success.
- Odd-Even Traffic Rule: Periodic restrictions on private vehicles based on license plate numbers.
- Ban on Firecrackers: Prohibition of fireworks during Diwali, though enforcement remains inconsistent.
- Closure of Schools: Temporary suspension of in-person classes during periods of severe pollution.
- Anti-Smog Guns: Deployment of water-spraying cannons to reduce particulate matter in the air.
Despite these efforts, pollution levels continue to soar, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and sustained measures. Experts have criticized the lack of coordination between central and state authorities, as well as inadequate enforcement of existing policies.
Agricultural Burning
A significant contributor to Delhi’s pollution is the large-scale burning of crop stubble by farmers in neighboring states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This agricultural practice, intended to clear fields for the next planting season, releases vast quantities of smoke into the atmosphere.
Efforts to address stubble burning have met with limited success. Subsidies for alternative farming equipment and awareness campaigns have failed to deter many farmers, who cite cost and convenience as major barriers. The Supreme Court has repeatedly urged the central government to provide more effective support to farmers, recognizing their critical role in mitigating the crisis.
Air Pollution
The toxic smog enveloping Delhi poses severe health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
- Respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Impaired lung development in children.
- Long-term exposure leading to chronic illnesses and reduced life expectancy.
Hospitals in Delhi have reported a sharp rise in cases of respiratory distress and other pollution-related illnesses. Health experts warn that the city’s air quality crisis could lead to long-term economic and social repercussions if not addressed urgently.
Public and Political Reactions
The Supreme Court’s order has been met with mixed reactions from stakeholders. Environmental activists have lauded the decision, calling it a step in the right direction to hold authorities accountable. However, logistical challenges remain a concern, as setting up checkpoints on all 113 entry roads will require significant resources and coordination.
Political leaders have also weighed in on the issue, with opposition parties accusing the ruling government of failing to take proactive measures. “This crisis is not new. Every year, Delhi becomes a gas chamber, yet the government waits for the courts to intervene,” said a spokesperson for a prominent opposition party.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, whose administration has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, has pledged to comply with the court’s directives. “We are committed to implementing the Supreme Court’s orders and will ensure strict enforcement at all entry points,” Kejriwal stated in a press briefing.
Experts argue that addressing Delhi’s pollution crisis requires a multi-pronged approach involving all levels of government, as well as active participation from citizens.
- Strengthening Enforcement: Deploying adequate manpower and technology to monitor vehicle emissions at all entry points.
- Improving Public Transport: Expanding and upgrading Delhi’s public transport network to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
- Addressing Agricultural Practices: Providing affordable alternatives to stubble burning and incentivizing sustainable farming methods.
- Industrial Regulation: Tightening emission norms for factories and industrial units in and around Delhi.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about the impact of pollution and promoting eco-friendly practices.
