Punjab & Haryana High Court Seeks Data On Chandigarh AQI Over Last 5 Years In PIL Over Poor Air Quality
Saksham Vaishya
9 April 2026 1:45 PM IST
The Punjab & Haryana High Court has directed the petitioner in a public interest litigation concerning poor air quality in Chandigarh to place on record relevant AQI data for the last five years.
A division bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry was hearing a public interest litigation filed by the petitioner raising concerns regarding deteriorating air quality in the Chandigarh–Panchkula–Mohali region. The petitioner, appearing in person, contended that Chandigarh, despite being a planned city with minimal industrial activity, has witnessed a steady decline in air quality, particularly during winter months when AQI levels frequently enter “Very Poor”, “Severe” and “Hazardous” categories. It was further pointed out that in December 2025, AQI levels had reached 353 and 438, indicating a serious public health concern.
The petition stated that the deterioration in air quality is attributable to multiple factors, including construction dust, vehicular emissions, open waste burning and pollution from adjoining regions, and that despite the availability of real-time AQI data and statutory powers under environmental laws, the authorities have largely confined their response to advisories without implementing enforceable measures.
It was also contended that the Tricity region functions as a single airshed but is governed in a fragmented manner, resulting in ineffective control measures. The petitioner further asserted that recurring exposure to hazardous air quality affects public health and implicates the right to life.
Accordingly, the Court directed the petitioner to file relevant data indicating the worst AQI levels recorded in Chandigarh during every month for the last five years.
The matter was directed to be listed on 14.05.2026 for further consideration.
Case Title: Srishti Sharma vs. Union Territory of Chandigarh & Ors. [CWP-PIL-3-2026]