Supreme Court warns of contempt over 39 offline emission monitoring systems during severe pollution
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Pollution (air, water, plastic)· Prelims + Mains·
Judicial oversight and regulatory compliance in air quality management: a GS3 Environment and Governance case study.
Why in news
The Supreme Court warned of contempt action against officials for failing to enforce environmental laws after 39 of 87 Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems were found offline during severe pollution periods.
Background
In the case of Arjun Gopal v. Union of India, the Supreme Court ordered authorities to submit compliance affidavits and prosecution reports by December 14. The court noted that 39 out of 87 Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems were non-functional during periods of severe air pollution.
Facts for Prelims
- Fact39 out of 87 Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems were reported offline during severe pollution periods.
- BodyThe Supreme Court issued the order in the case of Arjun Gopal v. Union of India.
- FactAuthorities must submit compliance affidavits and prosecution reports by December 14.
Prelims practice question
In the case of Arjun Gopal v. Union of India, what specific systems were found to be non-functional during periods of severe air pollution?
- (a)Satellite Carbon Mapping Units
- (b)Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems
- (c)Manual Air Quality Index sensors
- (d)Real-time Water Quality Trackers
Show answer
Answer: (b) Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems — The note states that 39 out of 87 Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems were non-functional during severe pollution periods.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the challenges in enforcing environmental compliance and the role of judicial activism in ensuring air quality standards in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Enforcement gap: Lack of real-time oversight leading to non-functional monitoring systems during peak pollution.
- Institutional accountability: Delays in prosecution of officials for non-implementation of environmental mandates.
- Data integrity: Risks of manual reporting vs automated online monitoring in industrial zones.
Keywords: Judicial Activism · Environmental Compliance · Air Quality Management · Regulatory Oversight · Contempt of Court
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