Supreme Court Seeks Govt Response on Shifting Coal-Based Industries Out of Delhi to Curb Air Pollution

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Monday asked key Union ministries to formally respond to a suggestion that all coal-based industries operating in the National Capital Region (NCR) be relocated outside the area as part of long-term efforts to improve air quality. The order comes amid an ongoing judicial review of strategies to address Delhi’s persistent air pollution crisis.

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi sought detailed proposals from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and the Ministry of Power on the feasibility of phasing out coal-based units within the NCR. The court decided to concider the suggestion that no new coal-based thermal plants be permitted within a 300-kilometre radius of Delhi, reflecting concerns that emissions from such facilities contribute significantly to the region’s air quality woes.

In addition to the ministries, the court directed the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan to issue public notices to coal-based industries and other stakeholders inviting suggestions, objections or proposals regarding the relocation plan. These notices are to be treated as served by the judiciary, and the states must prepare “Action Taken Plans” detailing responses received ahead of the next hearing on March 12.

The bench also reiterated its intention to examine other key sources of pollution — including vehicular emissions and construction-related dust — at the March 12 hearing, based on recommendations from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The CAQM has already pushed for long-term measures to curb pollution, such as stricter emission limits and systematic reduction of industrial pollutants.

Separately, the court directed the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to submit a comprehensive action plan outlining steps to implement CAQM-recommended solutions for improving the region’s air quality. Authorities have also been asked to consider alternative fuel sources for industries currently dependent on coal, as part of the broader regulatory review.