SC flags vehicular emissions as Delhi AQI nears 400

The Supreme Court on Friday, 6 November, termed vehicular emissions a major contributor to Delhi-NCR's air pollution and questioned why the air quality index remains alarming despite several measures. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant noted bumper-to-bumper traffic on roads connecting Delhi with Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad. NDTV, Times Now, Mid-Day and National Herald all report the court observed that Delhi is 'virtually free for all' as vehicles from other states can enter without proper monitoring of fuel use or emission levels.

On stubble burning, the Centre told the bench it accounted for about 14 per cent of Delhi's pollution on 5 November. The CJI suggested developing a mechanism for purchasing agricultural residue at a predetermined rate to give farmers an economic incentive to retain stubble. Amicus curiae Aparajita Singh said breathing the region's air is equivalent to 'smoking 30 cigarettes every day'. The bench said it will examine the status report and may issue directions, adding it plans to list the matter immediately after the court break.

Update, 6 November 2026: National Herald adds that the court noted vehicles entering Delhi from other states cannot be effectively monitored for fuel use or emissions, and highlighted the disproportionate impact on roadside vendors and daily-wage earners. It also reports the Centre listed five pollution sources: industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, construction dust, road dust and stubble burning.