Why the delay in implementation of pollution control measures? Supreme Court

Supreme Court asks Central Pollution Control Board to submit action taken report in two weeks

The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed concern over the delay in implementation of pollution control measures and sought a report from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on the action taken so far.

A bench of Justices M.R. Shah and A.S. Bopanna said, "We are concerned about the delay in implementation of pollution control measures and want to know the action taken by the CPCB." The bench directed the CPCB to submit a report in two weeks.

The court was hearing a petition filed by advocate Gaurav Bansal seeking directions to the CPCB to take immediate steps to improve the air quality in Delhi-NCR.

The CPCB, in its affidavit, said that it has been taking various steps to improve the air quality, including monitoring of air quality, conducting inspections of industries and vehicles, and issuing directions to the state governments for taking necessary action.

The board also said that it has prepared a revised National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) with the aim of reducing air pollution by 20-30% by 2024.

The court, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the progress made so far and said, "The steps taken so far are not enough. We want to know what concrete steps have been taken to improve the air quality." The court also asked the CPCB to provide details of the funds allocated and utilized for pollution control measures.

The bench posted the matter for further hearing on November 22.