sc-orders-pollution-boards-to-draft-winter-smog-plan-in-3-weeks

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and state pollution control boards to prepare a comprehensive plan to curb air pollution within three weeks, ahead of the winter season when smog levels are expected to soar.

 

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran expressed concern over long-standing vacancies in the pollution control authorities, stating that inadequate manpower during peak pollution seasons worsens the environmental crisis.

 

The top court was hearing a suo motu plea related to delays in filling posts in the CAQM, CPCB, and state pollution boards. It asked Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab, along with CAQM and CPCB, to fill vacancies within three months, while granting six months for promotional posts.

 

Meanwhile, the bench directed states and authorities to appoint personnel on deputation or contractual basis to ensure immediate action against rising pollution levels. At present, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan have 44, 43, 166, and 259 vacancies respectively in their pollution boards.

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“The stopping of construction has a consequence and workers from different parts of the country are (rendered) jobless,” the bench observed, noting that compensation for affected workers remains unresolved.

 

The bench also emphasised the importance of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a stratified emergency framework that halts construction activities, restricts vehicles, and triggers other measures as air quality deteriorates. “The CAQM shall deliberate the issue with the CPCB, concerned states and their pollution control boards to come out with a concrete plan to prevent pollution… the same shall be done within three weeks,” the court ordered.

 

The top court has fixed the next hearing for October 8 and sought a progress report from the CAQM. Earlier, it had directed the Delhi government to fill all 204 posts in the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) by September, noting that only 83 had been filled so far. The Centre was also asked to complete staffing in the CAQM by August 2025.