Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Nov 29: The Supreme Court on Monday expressed its concern over the rising air pollution levels in Delhi and the national capital region (NCR). The SC observed that while pollution levels are rising, there is another problem of COVID-19.
The Supreme Court has asked Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and UP governments to explain the steps they’ve taken in compliance with directions by Commission for Air Quality Management in Delhi-NCR to curb air pollution and sought compliance reports from them.
A bench comprising the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justice Surya Kant have postponed the hearing till December 2.
The apex court has said that it will ask the Centre whether continuing construction work at the Central Vista project is adding to dust pollution. It has also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to explain what steps were taken to curb air pollution caused by the project in Delhi.
“We’re struggling to control air pollution in Delhi, whether it’s Central Vista or anything else. Don’t think we don’t know anything. Don’t flag certain issues to divert attention. The Solicitor General will have to reply on this,” says the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, the apex court asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to take permission from the chief conservator of forests before cutting trees to make way for the construction of the fourth phase expansion of metros.
The Supreme Court directed the Delhi government to frame a comprehensive plan and place before it for planting trees and saplings in Delhi. The plan has to be submitted before the Court within 12 weeks.
