In response to a stern warning from the Supreme Court, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has taken decisive action to combat air pollution in Delhi by establishing 'flying squads' to monitor and prevent stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. These squads will coordinate with state anti-pollution agencies, focusing on 16 districts in Punjab and 10 in Haryana, particularly ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

During a recent hearing, Supreme Court Justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih criticized the CAQM for its "total non-compliance" with legal directives aimed at reducing air pollution. The court's frustration was evident as it questioned the CAQM's lack of effective measures and its infrequent meetings, which occur only once every three months. As Delhi faces its annual air quality crisis, characterized by toxic smog from vehicular pollution, construction dust, and agricultural fires, the need for immediate action is more pressing than ever.

Current air quality levels in Delhi have already begun to decline, with readings hitting 235, categorizing the air as 'poor' for the first time in four months. The CAQM has attributed this to increasing vehicular traffic, while the Delhi government has unveiled a 'winter action plan' comprising 21 initiatives, including measures to sprinkle water on roads to mitigate dust.

The pollution issue in Delhi often becomes a political battleground, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party blaming neighboring states for their pollution contributions while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party points fingers back. In a bid for collaborative solutions, Delhi's Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, emphasized the importance of teamwork and has even called for permission for cloud seeding to create artificial rain to alleviate the smog crisis.