India, Feb. 21 -- The Supreme Court of India on Friday underscored that expanding the green cover in Delhi is the only sustainable, long-term solution to combat the Capital's worsening air pollution, as it agreed to take up an out-of-turn petition seeking measures to enhance greenery across the city.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant observed, "When we are fighting for better air quality index (AQI), this is one of the most well thought out long-drawn solution," after being informed by senior advocate Guru Krishnakumar that a matter concerning augmentation of Delhi's green cover had been pending without substantive hearing.

Krishnakumar was referring to the MC Mehta matter relating to pollution in Delhi where the...