Supreme Court to Hear Delhi-NCR Air Pollution Plea On December 17
Delhi recorded an AQI of 461 as the Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea on the pollution crisis.
The Supreme Court of India has scheduled a hearing on December 17, 2025, for a plea addressing the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, amid a sharp deterioration in air quality that saw the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) surge to 461 on December 14—the highest this winter and the second-worst December reading on record. The bench indicated it would list the matter urgently after being informed of the severe conditions, reflecting ongoing judicial oversight of pollution mitigation efforts in the national capital region.
Delhi's AQI breached the 'severe' threshold multiple times in recent days, driven by stagnant weather, low wind speeds, temperature inversions, and contributions from vehicular emissions, construction dust, and regional stubble burning despite seasonal reductions. Neighbouring areas in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan also reported hazardous levels, prompting health warnings for vulnerable groups and renewed enforcement of restrictions under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The plea seeks stricter implementation of anti-pollution measures, including bans on non-essential construction, diesel generators, and older vehicles, alongside long-term solutions like improved public transport and crop residue management. Environmentalists have criticised delays in enforcement and called for accountability across states, highlighting the recurring winter smog's impact on public health.
Also Read: Breathing Gets Harder in Delhi as Toxic Smog Tightens Its Grip on The Capital
Previous Supreme Court interventions have led to directives on firecracker bans, industrial emissions controls, and interstate coordination. The upcoming hearing is expected to review compliance with earlier orders and assess the effectiveness of current actions, including road dust suppression and traffic management.
With forecasts indicating persistent unfavourable weather, residents continue to face respiratory risks, reduced visibility, and disrupted routines. Schools in Delhi and Noida maintain hybrid classes to limit exposure.
As the apex court prepares to deliberate, the case underscores the urgent need for sustained regional cooperation and innovative strategies to combat Delhi-NCR's chronic air quality challenges, one of the world's most polluted urban clusters.
Also Read: Delhi’s AQI Hits 384; Nineteen Monitoring Stations Show ‘Severe’ Pollution Levels
