Supreme Court concerned over worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR

New Delhi : The Supreme Court on Monday expressed concerns over the poor air quality in Delhi and NCR, questioning the local authorities about the measures they are taking to control the air pollution.

A special bench of the Supreme Court comprising of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant heard the plea.

The SC said that poor air quality figures are posting a bad image of the national capital on world map.

The apex body directed Delhi Government to plant more trees and prepare comprehensive plan and show it for the assessment.

"The government should also involve NGOs, members of civil society, students and others in planting trees in the city," the SC suggested. 

The SC then asked Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and UP governments to explain the steps they have taken in compliance with directions by Commission for Air Quality Management in Delhi-NCR to curb air pollution and sought compliance reports from them.

The Supreme Court also mentioned that if the states are found incapable then they will set up a special task force for implementation of measures to reduce pollution.

Next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for December 2.