Urgent: High Court Demands Pollution Mitigation Strategy Within Three Weeks Period

Criticism directed at states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab for failing to fill long-standing vacancies in their respective pollution control boards.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 17 . 2:21 PM

1 min read

Three-week deadline imposed by the Supreme Court for drafting a measure to combat air pollution

Urgent: High Court Demands Pollution Mitigation Strategy Within Three Weeks Period

The Supreme Court of India has taken a firm stance against the rising air pollution levels in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab. In a recent hearing on September 16, 2025, the court resumed proceedings concerning vacancies in environmental authorities in these states and the implementation of a schedule to combat air pollution.

The court has criticised these states for not filling long-pending vacancies in their pollution control boards. In response, the states have been ordered to fill these vacancies within a three-month period.

In addition, the court has given the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and state pollution control boards three weeks to submit a detailed plan to curb air pollution. This plan is expected to outline urgent preventive measures to address the issue ahead of the winter pollution spike.

The matter is of particular concern as the National Capital Region and adjoining states experience a sharp deterioration in air quality during the winter months. The court has stressed the need for immediate action to prevent this annual spike in pollution levels.

The CAQM, a statutory body of the central government responsible for air quality management in the NCR and surrounding regions, is also under scrutiny. For promotions in the CAQM, CPCB, and state pollution control boards, a six-month deadline has been set.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for October 8, where the court will review the progress made by the states and the environmental authorities in implementing the ordered measures. The court's call for urgent action is a clear indication of the gravity of the situation and the need for swift and effective action to combat air pollution.