The Supreme Court has taken a strict stance regarding the continuously increasing air pollution in Delhi-NCR and especially the smoke emitted from vehicles. The apex court has asked the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to submit detailed action plans within two weeks. The court has sought information from the concerned authorities about the steps taken to control vehicular traffic, ensure compliance with emission standards and ban polluting vehicles. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana directed the Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the traffic department of Delhi Police and the governments of three neighboring states to file detailed replies.
Answer sought on PUC certificate and old vehicles
The Supreme Court has asked the authorities what arrangements are in place to control the entry and movement of commercial and private vehicles in Delhi and NCR. Along with this, information has also been sought on how the rules of Pollution Control Certificate (PUC) are being ensured. The court has also sought details of the steps taken to stop old, over-age vehicles and non-compliant vehicles from plying on the roads.
Details of action taken against old and polluting vehicles called for
The bench sought full details of action taken against old vehicles and vehicles not meeting prescribed emission standards. The court has also asked the concerned departments how many vehicles have been inspected so far and how many challans have been issued for violating the rules. Apart from this, it has also been asked to present the data of inspection of vehicles, challan and action taken against the drivers violating the rules. The Supreme Court has given two weeks time to the agencies concerned, including the governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, to file their replies. The court has scheduled the next hearing of the case on November 23, 2026.
AQI reached 400 in Chandni Chowk
On the morning of Tuesday, November 10, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded beyond 300 in many areas of the capital. Chandni Chowk was the worst, where the AQI reached 400, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data till 6 am. Whereas 398 AQI was recorded in Pusa. According to CPCB data, AQI was recorded at 380 at Commonwealth Sports Complex, 384 at NSUT Jafarpur, 373 at Talkatora Garden, 372 at Mathura Road and 375 at Sirifort. Apart from this, AQI was 360 in Aya Nagar, 364 at Burari Crossing and 361 in IIT Delhi.
AQI crosses 350 in many areas
The air quality remained very poor in other areas of the capital also. AQI was recorded at 325 in Shadipur, 324 at Lodhi Road, 315 at Burari, 320 at Jharauda Kalan, 307 at Mandir Marg and 328 at Bawana. Whereas AQI was recorded 296 in Tikri Kalan and 295 in Vasundhara Enclave. It is clear from the data that the pollution level remains very high at most of the monitoring centers in the capital.
AQI is in very poor category from 301 to 400.
According to the standards of the Central Pollution Control Board, different categories of AQI have been determined.
0 to 50: good
51 to 100: satisfactory
101 to 200: moderate
201 to 300: bad
301 to 400: Very bad
401 to 500: severe
According to this classification, 400 AQI recorded in Chandni Chowk is at the upper limit of the very poor category. At the same time, the pollution level in many areas including Pusa remains in very poor category.
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