Supreme Court Flags Delhi Pollution as AQI Nears 400, Questions Vehicular Emissions

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) approaching 400 in several areas ahead of Diwali. During a hearing on Friday, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant questioned the effectiveness of existing pollution-control measures and highlighted heavy vehicular movement as a major contributor to the crisis. A three-judge bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana observed that repeated discussions and restrictions had not produced sufficient improvements in air quality.

Delhi AQI Reaches 391, Several Areas Record Severe Levels

Delhi's overall AQI reached 391 on November 6, placing it in the 'Very Poor' category. However, several monitoring stations recorded readings above 400. Rohini registered an AQI of 475, while IIT Delhi recorded 472. Out of 59 monitoring stations, 30 reported severe pollution levels at 9 am. Under India's AQI classification, readings between 301 and 400 fall under the Very Poor category, while 401–500 are classified as Severe.

Supreme Court Questions Vehicular Pollution

The bench raised concerns about bumper-to-bumper traffic and the increasing number of private vehicles travelling between Delhi and neighbouring cities, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad. The Centre informed the court about measures such as restrictions on certain vehicles, geo-tagging of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and action against visibly polluting vehicles. However, the court emphasized that implementing rules alone would not solve the problem without effective enforcement.

The Supreme Court also questioned the repeated focus on stubble burning while urban pollution sources continue to contribute to poor air quality. It called for advance announcements of crop-residue procurement prices and better collection facilities through gram panchayats to help farmers manage agricultural waste without burning it. According to submissions by amicus curiae senior advocate Aparajita Singh, stubble burning contributed approximately 14% of Delhi's pollution on November 5.

Diwali 2026: Green Crackers Allowed for Two Days

In its October 29 order, the Supreme Court temporarily permitted approved green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR on November 7 and 8. Firecrackers are allowed only between 6 am and 7 am and 8 pm and 10 pm. Online sales, barium-containing crackers and joined firecrackers are prohibited. The complete firecracker ban is scheduled to return from November 9. The court has also directed authorities to monitor air quality before and after Diwali and collect information from hospitals about pollution-related health impacts.

The latest hearing has renewed questions about Delhi's long-term pollution strategy. Apart from stubble burning, vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust and waste burning continue to affect air quality. The Supreme Court has listed the matter for November 16, 2026. The challenge now is to move beyond temporary restrictions and ensure year-round pollution control through better public transportation, stricter enforcement and practical alternatives for farmers.