Bhubaneswar, Dec. 16 -- The Supreme Court on Monday observed that the continued failure to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR is largely due to the reluctance of the rich and affluent to alter their lifestyles, particularly their dependence on polluting modes of transport and high-emission conveniences.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi made the remarks while hearing matters related to deteriorating air quality in the national capital region. The court noted that despite a series of judicial directions and the introduction of multiple anti-pollution protocols over the years, air quality continues to remain at severe levels, especially during the winter months.

The obse...