THE National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a stern view of the deteriorating air quality across eight major cities in Madhya Pradesh, where pollution levels have reached hazardous proportions. Following a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) labelling Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Sagar, Ujjain, Dewas and Singrauli as ‘non-attainment’ cities, the Tribunal issued a notice to the state government. The NGT emphasised that access to clean air and water is a fundamental right of every citizen that cannot be compromised.

 

‘City of Lakes’ Choking on Smog: The petition presented before the Tribunal paints a grim picture of the State capital. Bhopal, traditionally celebrated as the ‘City of Lakes,’ is currently shrouded in a thick blanket of dust and smoke. Data reveals that PM10 levels in the city are hovering between 130 and 190, nearly triple the safety limit of 60. Similarly, PM2.5 levels have crossed the 100-mark. During winter nights, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has frequently breached the 300-threshold, categorising the air quality as ‘Very Poor’ to ‘Severe.’

 

Stubble Burning and Construction: The Primary Culprits The report identifies largescale stubble burning in neighbouring districts, Raisen, Sehore, Vidisha and Hoshangabad, as a significant contributor to the crisis. In early 2025 alone, over 31,000 incidents of stubble burning were recorded in the State, the highest in the country. Other aggravating factors include the blatant violation of dust-control norms at Smart City corridor construction sites, emissions from over 1.3 million vehicles, and the persistent burning of waste at the Bhanpur landfill site.

 

MP to Adopt Delhi-style ‘GRAP’ The NGT has directed the State Government to formulate a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), similar to the one implemented in Delhi-NCR. The petitioners have demanded immediate measures such as a temporary halt on construction activities during peak pollution days, stricter vehicular regulations, and a complete ban on firecrackers.

 

Citing previous Supreme Court mandates, the Tribunal noted that when pollution enters the ‘severe’ category, the administration is duty-bound to implement emergency protocols. High-Level Committee to Probe; Next Hearing on March 18 Recognising the gravity of the environmental crisis, the NGT has constituted a high-level joint committee.

 

This panel will include the Principal Secretary of the Environment Department and representatives from the CPCB, the Transport Department, and the State Pollution Control Board. The committee is tasked with conducting site inspections and submitting a comprehensive ground report. The state government and concerned departments have been given six weeks to file their replies. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on March 18