SC Orders Coal Plants Out of Delhi & New Coal Plants Banned Within 300 km of Delhi

Rising Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR: Supreme Court Asks Centre to Relocate Coal-Based Plants, Control Dust From Construction, Submit Reports by 12 March

The Supreme Court of India has taken a firm stance against rising pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, directing the central government to explore shifting coal-based industries out of the area. During Monday’s hearing, a bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi asked the government to respond to a proposal banning the establishment of new coal-based power plants within 300 km of Delhi.

The court also called for suggestions on controlling dust from construction and demolition activities, as proposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). All concerned parties have been instructed to submit their reports and proposals by 12 March, after which the court will examine the issue of vehicular and industrial air pollution.

In its directions, the Supreme Court stated that notices issued would be considered official communication, and asked states to prepare action plans based on CAQM’s recommendations. The Ministries of Environment, Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Power have been tasked with drafting a roadmap for the gradual closure or relocation of coal-based industries in the NCR, detailing affected units, alternative fuels, and timelines for the transition. Additionally, the Delhi government has been asked to submit a comprehensive plan to implement long-term measures suggested by the CAQM.

This move follows earlier directions by the court, including the temporary closure of nine toll plazas at Delhi’s borders to reduce congestion and pollution, and warnings that controlling air quality is not solely the responsibility of farmers, despite stubble-burning concerns, emphasizing that industrial and vehicular emissions must also be addressed.