New Delhi: Taking serious note of the worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court on Wednesday described the crisis as an annual phenomenon and issued important directions aimed at mitigating the situation. In a significant relief and clarification, the Court modified its earlier order regarding action against old vehicles operating in the region.
Action Limited to Pre-BS-IV Vehicles
The apex court amended its August 12, 2025 order, granting the Delhi government permission to take action only against vehicles below BS-IV emission standards. This means enforcement agencies can now act against:
- 10-year-old diesel vehicles
- 15-year-old petrol vehicles
provided they fall below the BS-IV category.
The modification brings clarity after an earlier blanket restriction on action against all old vehicles in Delhi-NCR.
Earlier Ban on Action, New Directions Issued
On August 12, the Supreme Court had stayed action against all age-old vehicles in the region. During the latest hearing, the Court also directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to take a decision within a week on temporarily closing or relocating nine toll plazas at Delhi’s borders to prevent traffic congestion, which contributes significantly to pollution levels.
Raising a sharp question during the proceedings, the Court remarked, “Will you start imposing tolls at Connaught Place as well, just to generate funds?” — highlighting concerns over policy choices that worsen congestion.
Relief for Affected Construction Workers
The Supreme Court further directed authorities to provide financial assistance to construction workers who have been rendered jobless due to pollution-related restrictions, underlining the need to balance environmental action with social welfare.
Air Quality Remains Critical
Despite slight improvement due to stronger winds over the past two days, Delhi’s air quality remains alarming. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city’s AQI stood at 334, falling in the “very poor” category. Weather forecasts indicate that wind speeds may weaken over the next four to five days, potentially pushing the AQI beyond 400, into the “severe” zone once again.
The Supreme Court’s latest directions signal a focused and targeted approach to pollution control, emphasizing stricter enforcement against highly polluting vehicles, better traffic management, and humanitarian support for those affected by emergency measures.
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