Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Nov.13: A Supreme Court bench chaired by Chief Justice of India N V Ramana on Saturday questioned if emergency measures such as a lockdown for a few days could be imposed to combat rising AQI readings in the national capital, which was in the’severe’ category.
“Tell us how we can reduce AQI from 500 at least by 200 points. Take some urgent measures. Can you think of two days lockdown or something? How can people live? Air quality in Delhi is in the ‘severe’ category and in another 2 to 3 days it will dip further. Take an emergency decision. We will look at a long term solution later,” CJI Ramana told the Centre.
The Supreme Court further stated that air pollution is a severe problem that has forced people to wear masks even at home due to decreasing air quality. “You see how horrible the situation is….we’re wearing masks even in our homes,” the CJI remarked.
The court also inquired about the Delhi government’s choice to erect pollution towers and emission control measures.
“You have opened all schools in the national capital and now children are exposed to pollutants. This is not the Centre’s but your jurisdiction. What is happening on that front?,” the bench asked Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government.
The apex court also remarked that now it has become a fashion to bash the farmers whether it’s Delhi govt or someone else. “There was ban on firecrackers, what happened with that?,” it asked.
“Central government says 2 lakh machines are available for stubble burning and in market there are 2-3 kinds of machines available but farmers can’t afford to buy them. Why can’t Centre/State govts provide these machines to farmers or take away the stubble?,” questioning the Centre on what steps it has taken to tackle air pollution, the CJI-led bench said.
“Little children have to go to school in this weather, we are exposing them to this. Dr Guleria (AIIMS) said we are exposing them to pollution, pandemic and dengue.
The Supreme Court further advised the administration to look at the matter beyond politics and government. “Something has to happen so that we feel better in two to three days.”
Following that, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Centre that the meeting today would have to focus on the emergency condition of air pollution.
