Indian Supreme Court identifies vehicles as major source of Delhi pollution

The Supreme Court of India stated on Friday that vehicle emissions are a major contributor to deteriorating air quality in Delhi. DW and The Indian Express both reported that the court questioned the effectiveness of government measures intended to curb the pollution. DW noted that a Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana addressed the issue during legal proceedings. [1][4]

DW reported that the Supreme Court also called for responsible celebrations during upcoming festivals, specifically noting Diwali. The Indian Express described the traffic situation in Delhi as a free-for-all when reporting on the court statements. Meanwhile, Live Law reported that the Delhi High Court exempted National Capital Region based court staff and lawyers from a winter ban on non-BS-VI vehicles. [1][2][4]

Air pollution in Delhi is considered among the most lethal in any global city. Poor air quality has irreversibly damaged the lungs of 2.2 million children in the capital. Nationwide, air pollution is estimated to kill around 2 million people each year, and India records the highest death rate in the world from chronic respiratory diseases and asthma. [10]

Separate reports from Live Law and The Times of India noted that severe winter weather rules have taken effect. Stage three of the Graded Response Action Plan is currently in force as air quality plummets in the capital region. [2]