In a significant move to combat India’s worsening air quality, the Supreme Court, on September 17, 2025, mandated that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and all State Pollution Control Boards develop and present comprehensive air pollution prevention strategies within a tight three-week deadline. This urgent directive comes just before the winter season, a period historically marked by severe spikes in pollution.
During the hearing, a bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran expressed strong disapproval regarding the numerous long-standing vacancies within State Pollution Control Boards. The court specifically instructed states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab to fill these crucial positions within the next three months, emphasizing the need for robust institutional capacity.
Further extending its mandate, the bench issued parallel directives to both the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), underscoring a nationwide push for better environmental governance.
However, acknowledging the procedural complexities, the Supreme Court allowed a more extended period of six months for the filling of promotional posts within the State Pollution Control Boards, CAQM, and CPCB.
The CAQM, a central statutory body, plays a pivotal role in overseeing and enhancing air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR) and its surrounding territories. These critical areas encompass significant parts of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, highlighting the commission’s broad scope and impact.
These directives were issued during the court’s hearing of a suo motu petition specifically addressing the need to fill vacancies across these vital environmental authorities. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on October 8.
The Court severely criticized states for their prolonged failure to address these vacancies, noting that a lack of adequate personnel during peak pollution periods significantly exacerbates the environmental crisis, leaving communities vulnerable to hazardous air conditions.