India news: Vehicles major cause of Delhi pollution, top court says

India's Supreme Court called for responsible celebrations during festivals, particularly Diwali, as it addressed the issue of air pollution in Delhi. DW has more.

The Supreme Court of India on Friday said that vehicular pollution is a major contributor to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and questioned the effectiveness of the government's measures to curb it. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, opened the proceedings with a jibe saying, "I hope you all are enjoying the weather in Delhi." "A major cause of the pollution is vehicular pollution.

Look at the roads in Delhi, look at the roads connecting Delhi to the NCR (the National Capital Region)… the kind of bumper-to-bumper traffic… that's the major cause," the CJI said. The court also encouraged responsible celebrations during festivals, particularly Diwali, where firecrackers being set off adds to the air pollution.