Supreme Court urges public action on Delhi pollution

The Supreme Court on November 6 urged Delhi and other authorities to involve local municipal councillors in efforts to reduce pollution during Diwali, saying public participation was needed alongside enforcement and court orders. The bench said repeated judicial directions alone could lead to more violations and called for residents to be encouraged to avoid polluting firecrackers. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, made the remarks during a hearing on air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region. The court said controlling pollution during festivals required broader public awareness and changes in behaviour, while noting that physical policing had practical limits. The bench also identified heavy traffic and vehicle emissions as major concerns, pointing to bumper-to-bumper movement on roads connecting Delhi with neighbouring areas. The Centre’s counsel, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, told the court that vehicle restrictions and other measures were in place, including limits on some vehicles entering Delhi and action against visibly polluting vehicles. Aparajita Singh, assisting the court as amicus curiae,...