In Brief
This writ petition addresses severe air and water pollution in Delhi and the NCR region. The Court held that widespread environmental pollution from stubble burning, construction/demolition, waste mismanagement, industrial emissions, and vehicular traffic constitutes a grave violation of the constitutional right to life (Article 21) and state duties under the Directive Principles. The Court found that state administrations have miserably failed to implement pollution control measures despite previous orders. It directed comprehensive measures including stubble management support for small farmers, installation of smog towers, use of anti-smog guns in construction sites, strict waste management compliance, control of industrial emissions, and compensation for citizens affected by pollution. The Court emphasized that bureaucratic inaction and budget constraints cannot excuse the state's constitutional obligation to protect life and environment.
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