Plea Before Delhi HC Seeks Urgent Action As Capital’s Air Quality Worsens

Amid rapidly deteriorating air quality in the national capital, a petition has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking urgent directions to government authorities to implement effective, scientifically sound measures to control the city’s hazardous pollution levels and improve the Air Quality Index (AQI).

The petition has been filed by a registered Residents’ Welfare Association of Greater Kailash–II, New Delhi, through Advocate Udit Sharma. It states that despite repeated administrative assurances, the situation has continued to worsen.

"Over the past several years (2019–2024), the ambient air quality in Delhi and specifically in GK-II has deteriorated drastically, with AQI levels frequently entering the ‘very poor’, ‘severe’ and ‘hazardous’ categories, especially during winter months, resulting in persistent and serious pollution-related health issues among residents, including children, senior citizens and persons with pre-existing ailments," the plea states

The plea also highlights that authorities have acknowledged the gravity of the crisis, including in a communication dated May 9, 2025. However, it alleges that despite multiple written and oral representations from residents, no effective or meaningful on-ground action has been taken.

It further points out that Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) were invoked only on November 11, 2025, after AQI levels had already reached the hazardous range.

The plea adds that authorities “failed to secure timely and effective enforcement of the prescribed steps, thereby allowing the aggravated situation to persist unabated.”

Calling the decline in air quality an imminent public health emergency,” the plea notes that AQI levels in parts of Delhi have frequently crossed 450–500 this winter, while key statutory obligations under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, the Environment (Protection) Act, and GRAP remain unimplemented.

The petitioners say they now want the government to adopt a structured, long-term plan. "Through this writ, I’m asking the Court to direct the government to notify a clear Delhi Clean Air Protocol. The idea is to push for a coordinated, evidence-based response that residents can rely on," the press note states.

The matter is likely to be taken up on Monday

Case Title: Greater Kailash-II Welfare Association Through its General Secretary: Mr. Sanjay Rana v. Government of NCT of Delhi & Ors

Hearing Expected: Monday