- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Taking a firm stance on worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court on Monday sought a concrete policy framework from the Centre to prohibit the establishment of new coal-based thermal power plants within a 300-kilometre radius of the national capital.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, was hearing a petition related to air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
The court directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Power to submit detailed suggestions on the proposed restriction. It also sought a joint proposal from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Ministry of Energy and the Environment Ministry outlining a phased plan to shift existing coal-based industries out of the NCR.
The governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan have been instructed to issue public notices inviting objections and suggestions from stakeholders, particularly coal-based industries operating in the region.
The court clarified that the notices would be deemed issued under its authority and asked the state governments to file action taken reports based on the responses received.
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On the issue of vehicular emissions, the bench scheduled the next hearing for March 12. It sought responses from all concerned parties on recommendations made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), including measures to control dust generated from construction and demolition activities.
The court’s directions come amid continued concerns over hazardous air quality levels in Delhi-NCR, especially during peak pollution periods.