SC asks CAQM, CPCB, state boards to prepare plan to deal with air pollution in three weeks

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- OUR CORRESPONDENT

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed central and state pollution control authorities to prepare concrete measures within three weeks to curb rising air pollution, particularly in the run-up to winter when air quality deteriorates sharply across northern India.

A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran was hearing a suo motu case concerning vacancies in the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and various state pollution control boards. The court expressed displeasure at the delay in filling these posts, warning that the lack of manpower during peak pollution seasons worsens the crisis.

The bench ordered Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab, along with the CAQM and CPCB, to complete appointments within three months. While allowing six months for promotional postings, it directed the authorities to immediately appoint personnel on deputation or contractual terms to address the upcoming spike in pollution.

At present, the shortage of staff in pollution control boards is significant. Haryana has 44 vacancies, Punjab 43, Uttar Pradesh 166, and Rajasthan 259. The court noted that such gaps undermine effective monitoring and implementation of pollution-control measures.