National Green Tribunal Questions Centre Over Delayed Air Quality Improvement Guidelines
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised serious questions to the Centre regarding the significant delay in formulating comprehensive guidelines aimed at improving air quality across India. This development comes nearly two years after the tribunal issued a specific directive to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to take immediate action on this critical environmental issue.
Background of the 2024 Tribunal Directive
On March 3, 2024, the NGT had issued a clear and urgent directive to the Central Pollution Control Board. The tribunal instructed the CPCB to undertake two crucial tasks:
- Collate comprehensive state action plans from all states and union territories regarding air quality improvement measures
- Formulate unified national guidelines to implement effective measures for improving air quality across the country
This directive was part of the NGT's ongoing efforts to address India's persistent air pollution challenges, particularly in urban centers and industrial regions where air quality frequently reaches hazardous levels.
Current Status and Tribunal's Concerns
As of January 2026, nearly two years after the initial directive, the NGT has noted with concern that the Centre has failed to produce the comprehensive guidelines as ordered. The tribunal's questioning highlights several critical issues:
- Implementation delays in environmental protection measures
- Coordination challenges between central and state pollution control bodies
- Inadequate progress in developing unified national standards for air quality improvement
The NGT's intervention underscores the growing urgency of addressing air pollution, which remains a significant public health concern affecting millions of Indians across various regions.
Implications for Environmental Governance
This development raises important questions about environmental governance and regulatory compliance in India. The delay in formulating air quality improvement guidelines represents:
- A potential setback in India's efforts to combat air pollution systematically
- Challenges in inter-agency coordination on environmental matters
- The need for stronger enforcement mechanisms for tribunal directives
The NGT's questioning of the Centre serves as a reminder of the tribunal's watchdog role in environmental matters and its commitment to ensuring timely implementation of pollution control measures.
As the matter progresses, environmental advocates and public health experts will be closely monitoring the Centre's response and the eventual formulation of comprehensive air quality improvement guidelines that could significantly impact pollution control efforts nationwide.
