India news: Vehicles major cause of Delhi pollution, top court says

The Supreme Court of India on Friday said that vehicular pollution is a major contributor to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and questioned the effectiveness of the government's measures to curb it.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, opened the proceedings with a jibe saying, "I hope you all are enjoying the weather in Delhi."

This week, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained above the "hazardous" 300 mark.

Air quality in the capital regularly plummets at the outset of winter, as weather conditions help trap pollutants.

"A major cause of the pollution is vehicular pollution. Look at the roads in Delhi, look at the roads connecting Delhi to the NCR (the National Capital Region)… the kind of bumper-to-bumper traffic… that's the major cause," the CJI said.

The court examined the steps taken by the government to control the rising levels of air pollution.

Expressing concerns over the failure of measures to curb air pollution in Delhi over the years, the court said, "To think we can achieve air quality of less than 100 AQI in Delhi during winters is utopian when 'very poor' and 'severe' have become the new normal."

On stubble burning, the court said farmers should be given economic incentives and practical alternatives.

The court also encouraged responsible celebrations during festivals, particularly Diwali, where firecrackers being set off adds to the air pollution.

"Why don't we revert to our original customs?" the CJI said, adding celebrations should be accompanied by a sense of responsibility towards the environment.