Overview On November 17, 2025 , the Supreme Court addressed the persistent issue of air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) . The court cautioned against relying solely on a “perennial GRAP ” (Graded Response Action Plan), emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, long-term policy to tackle the problem gradually. Key Developments Court's Observations Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai stated that short-term measures are insufficient and stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders to develop a sustainable solution that reduces air pollution over time. The court acknowledged that imposing GRAP throughout the year could have severe repercussions on the livelihoods of daily laborers and construction workers. Government's Perspective Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati , representing the Centre, agreed that “knee-jerk” reactions to air pollution would be counter-productive. She acknowledged that the pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including stubble-burning fumes from neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana , vehicular emissions, and construction debris. Suggested Solutions Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan suggested implementing GRAP throughout the year and considering online hearings for court cases. He also proposed a heavier road tax for cars. Amicus Curiae Aparajita Singh focused on the issue of stubble-burning, explaining that the Groundwater Preservation Act of 2009 , which shortened the time between harvesting paddy and sowing wheat, inadvertently contributed to the practice. Mr. Sankaranarayanan suggested advancing the farmers’ schedule for harvesting paddy to avoid coinciding with wind patterns that carry pollutants to Delhi. Stubble Burning Issue Ms. Singh noted that farmers were finding ways to evade satellite overwatch, leading to an underestimation of actual stubble-burning incidents. The Centre had allocated over ₹2,000 crore to states, including Punjab and Haryana , to purchase machinery for the in-situ removal of stubble. Long-Term Policy Ms. Bhati agreed to present the court’s suggestion to the government, urging them to bring states and other stakeholders together to develop a long-term policy to combat air pollution. The court requested Ms. Bhati to consult with the government and provide feedback by November 19 . UPSC Relevance Environmental Governance This news highlights the complexities of environmental governance and the challenges of balancing economic activities with environmental protection. The discussion around GRAP , stubble burning, and the role of various stakeholders is highly relevant for GS3 (Environment) . Policy Analysis The unintended consequences of the Groundwater Preservation Act of 2009 demonstrate the importance of thorough policy analysis and impact assessment. This case study can be used to illustrate the need for a holistic approach to policymaking, considering both intended and unintended effects. Sustainable Agriculture The issue of stubble burning and the search for alternative solutions are directly related to sustainable agriculture practices. The allocation of funds for in-situ stubble management and the suggestions for adjusting harvesting schedules are relevant for discussions on agricultural sustainability in GS3 (Agriculture) . Important Facts The Supreme Court addressed Delhi's air pollution on November 17, 2025 . The court advised against using GRAP as a permanent solution. Chief Justice B.R. Gavai emphasized the need for a long-term policy. Stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and construction debris are major contributors to Delhi's air pollution. The Groundwater Preservation Act of 2009 inadvertently contributed to stubble burning. The Centre allocated over ₹2,000 crore for stubble removal machinery.