Supreme Court terms vehicle and construction bans as “old, tried and failed tools”
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Mains·
Environmental governance: a GS3 case study on the limitations of reactive measures vs sustainable management.
Why in news
The Supreme Court questioned the Union government and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on the efficacy of vehicle and construction bans, calling them 'old
Background
A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that Delhi is 'overflowing' with vehicles. The court noted that the AQI reached 400, triggering GRAP-III restrictions.
Facts for Prelims
- FactAir Quality Index (AQI) reached 400 in the national capital as of November 6, 2026.
- BodyCommission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is the body responsible for coordinating air quality measures.
- SchemeGraded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is the emergency and pre-emptive measure used to arrest air pollution.
- PlaceThe news pertains to air pollution management in the national capital (Delhi).
Prelims practice question
Which body is responsible for coordinating air quality measures in the national capital?
- (a)National Green Tribunal
- (b)Central Pollution Control Board
- (c)Commission for Air Quality Management
- (d)Ministry of Environment and Forests
Show answer
Answer: (c) Commission for Air Quality Management — The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is the body responsible for coordinating air quality measures.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the limitations of reactive measures like GRAP in managing urban air pollution and suggest scientific alternatives for sustainable air quality management.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Institutional bottleneck: Reliance on emergency 'stop-gap' measures like GRAP rather than long-term structural shifts.
- Socio-economic disparity: Impact of 'commodification' of festivals on air quality disproportionately affecting the poorest sections.
- Regulatory gap: Need for scientific alternatives to vehicle and construction bans to address rapid urban expansion.
Keywords: Graded Response Action Plan · Air Quality Index · Commission for Air Quality Management · Sustainable Management · Urban Pollution · Environmental Justice
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.