New Delhi: In a scathing observation, the Supreme Court of India has pointed the finger at the affluent lifestyle of the wealthy as a major driver of the country’s worsening air pollution.
During a hearing on Delhi’s air quality crisis on Tuesday, a bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka remarked that extravagant consumption patterns, including excessive vehicle use and luxury living, are choking cities with toxic smog.
The court’s comments come as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the capital continues to hover in the severe’ category.
The bench, addressing a public interest litigation on pollution control, urged governments to rethink urban planning and promote sustainable living. “The rich must reflect on their lifestyle choices,” Justice Oka stated, highlighting how high-end cars, sprawling residences, and unchecked industrial emissions exacerbate environmental degradation.
The court also questioned the efficacy of existing measures like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), calling for stricter enforcement and public awareness.
The remarks have sparked debate, with environmentalists applauding the court’s candour while some elites defend their choices.
Activists argue that policy must target systemic issues, like incentivising electric vehicles and curbing construction dust, along with lifestyle changes. With Delhi’s pollution crisis affecting millions, the court’s call for accountability resonates deeply.
As India grapples with its environmental challenges, the Supreme Court’s warning serves as a wake-up call: the path to cleaner air demands collective sacrifice, starting with those who wield the most influence.