New Delhi: On Thursday, the Supreme Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Surrounding Areas to seek expert and public input on long-term measures to reduce air pollution.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana also urged the Commission to form an expert panel to look into the ideas and come out with a long-term solution to the problem. The air pollution case has now been scheduled for hearing in the first week of February 2022, according to the Bench.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was representing the Centre and the Commission, told the supreme court that the hospital building activities and interior work could resume, but that all other construction work in the NCR could not.

The commission stated that a judgement on whether or not to lift the restriction on further construction activities in Delhi-NCR will be made by tomorrow. The 40 flying squads conduct regular inspections, according to the Solicitor General. The Solicitor General also told the Bench that thermal power facilities that were shut down are still being shut down, but that no new ones will be built as planned with the Power Ministry.

Mehta also informed the Supreme Court that a committee for a long-term solution has been formed, consisting of experts from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and others, to find a solution that will eliminate the need for a knee-jerk reaction to air pollution every year.

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Supreme Court tightens its grip on pollution in Delhi-NCR, directs Air Quality Commission