The Supreme Court on Monday called for responses from key Union ministries on a proposal to shift all coal-based industries out of the Delhi-NCR region as part of efforts to tackle the persistent air pollution crisis.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi issued notices to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Ministry of Power. The Court is examining a suggestion that no new coal-based thermal power plant should be permitted within a 300-kilometre radius of Delhi.

The bench directed all stakeholders to place their status reports and concrete proposals on record before the next hearing scheduled for March 12. On that date, the Court will also take up the issue of vehicular pollution, drawing upon recommendations made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

In addition, the Court asked the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan to issue public notices inviting suggestions and objections from affected stakeholders, including coal-based industries operating in the NCR.

The Government of NCT of Delhi has been directed to submit a detailed action plan outlining how it intends to implement the long-term measures recommended by the CAQM. The Court also sought responses from all stakeholders regarding steps proposed to curb dust pollution arising from construction and demolition activities.

The matter will be considered further on March 12.