Supreme Court Seeks Report on Non-Functional Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Delhi Amid Rising Pollution

As Delhi continues to struggle with severe air pollution, the Supreme Court of India on Monday expressed concern after learning that several air quality monitoring stations in the national capital were non-functional.

A counsel appearing before the top court questioned the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), asking how authorities could enforce anti-pollution measures when crucial air quality data was missing.

Court Concern Over Non-Functional Stations

During the hearing, Amicus Curiae Aparajita Singh urged the Supreme Court to issue directives to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to take preemptive steps before the air quality worsens further.

“They must act before it becomes severe,” Singh stated, highlighting reports that several air monitoring stations were not working.

It was noted that only 9 out of 37 air monitoring stations were operational during Diwali, raising serious concerns about the accuracy of air quality data in Delhi-NCR.

Supreme Court’s Directive

In response, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai directed both CAQM and CPCB to submit a detailed report on the current functioning of air monitoring systems and the measures being taken to curb pollution levels in Delhi.

The court emphasized that without accurate air quality data, the Graded Response Action Plan—which triggers measures like school closures, vehicle restrictions, and construction bans—cannot be properly implemented.

Delhi’s Worsening Air Quality

On Monday morning, Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 316, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Data from 28 functioning monitoring stations reported readings above 300, indicating hazardous pollution levels across the city.

Experts warn that prolonged exposure to such high AQI levels can cause serious respiratory and cardiovascular issues, especially among children and the elderly.

Call for Accountability

Environmental activists have called for urgent accountability and transparency, demanding that authorities ensure real-time monitoring systems are fully operational. The Supreme Court’s intervention is expected to push agencies to act swiftly before air quality deteriorates to ‘severe’ levels.