People walk along a road near India Gate amid heavy smog in New Delhi on Feb 22, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

NEW DELHI - India's top court on Tuesday sought a report from the federal government's Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on steps being taken to control air pollution in the capital city Delhi and its outskirts.

The top court took notice of the submissions of senior advocate Aparajita Singh, who is assisting the Supreme Court as an amicus curiae in the pollution matter, regarding the problem of air pollution during winters and also about farm fires.

There was a sharp deterioration in Delhi's air quality last week, which experts attributed to paddy straw burning in Punjab and Haryana

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"We call upon the CAQM to submit urgently a report as to the steps being taken for control of air pollution in and around the capital," the Supreme Court said.

The apex court has posted the matter for further hearing on Oct 31.

There was a sharp deterioration in Delhi's air quality last week, and experts attributed the alarming increase in air pollution levels ahead of winter to the incidents of paddy straw burning in Punjab and Haryana.

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Delhi is among the most polluted cities in the world. Industrial activities and vehicular traffic are significant contributors to air pollution in the city, along with rampant construction.