Impose 2-day lockdown: CJI Ramana tells Delhi govt on pollution crisis
Mangalore Today News Network
New Delhi, Nov 13, 2021: The Supreme Court pulled up the Centre and the state governments while hearing a plea concerning air pollution in Delhi on Saturday. The court suggested imposing a two-day lockdown in the city amid worsening air quality.
The plea was filed in the Supreme Court by 17-year-old Delhi student Aditya Dubey concerning rising levels of air pollution in the city. A special bench of CJI NV Ramana, Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justice Suryakant heard the petition on Saturday.
Talking about the worsening air quality in Delhi, CJI Ramana said, “We have seen how bad the situation is. We are wearing masks even inside our homes.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued, “Everyone is fighting their own battle- state, Centre, agencies. We have filed short summary of steps taken by everyone.”
On the problem of stubble burning, Tushar Mehta claimed that five steps have been taken.
“Two lakh machines [have been made] available for decomposing the stubble for in situ crop stubble management. There are avenues that the statutory commission has opened for using up the stubble in biomass plants etc. There is complete prohibition on burning,” Tushar Mehta said.
Tushar Mehta targeted Punjab government sand said, “There’s a spurt from Punjab in the last few days. State of Punjab needs to buckle up and do something.”
To this, CJI Ramana said, “You’re projecting as if farmers alone are responsible. But that is 40 per cent. Where are the steps to ensure Delhi people are controlled? What about firecrackers? Vehicle pollution?”
The court asked about the immediate measures taken to control air pollution in Delhi and suggested imposing a two-day lockdown in the city.
SC ASKS WHAT DELHI GOVT, POLICE IS DOING
Rahul Mehra appearing for Delhi government stated that on September 30 Air Quality Index (AQI) was 84 while PM 2.5 level stood at 34.
“After a months and half, AQI is 400, while PM10 was 593 yesterday (November 12) and PM2.5 had gone up to 399 yesterday,” Mehra informed the court, adding, “I’m trying to highlight that while there are various other contributory factors (to air pollution), probably a lot is due to stubble burning.”
The Supreme Court asked him about the solution being implemented by the Delhi government.
To this, Rahul Mehra replied, “Pusa institute scientists are looking into it.”
Meanwhile, Justice Suryakant said that everyone now “has a fashion of bashing the farmers”.
“In Delhi there was a ban on firecrackers. What happened? What is Delhi Police doing?,” Justice Suryakant questioned.
Justice Chandrachud furthered raised alarm over children being exposed to pollution as schools reopen in the city.
He said, “You’ve opened up all schools. You’re now witnessing all kids going to school and exposing their lungs to the pollution. Have you responded to the situation? This is under power of the Delhi government. “
EMERGENCY MEET ON AIR POLLUTION TODAY
Referring to the forecast submitted by the petitioner, the Supreme Court highlighted how the AQI level is severe and is expected to increase tomorrow (November 14) due to low wind speed.
He suggested holding a meeting to take short term decisions on how to tackle the issue.
To this, Tushar Mehta informed the court that an emergency meeting is scheduled for later part of the day.
The Supreme Court further emphasised how the issue is “not about state or party government”.
CJI Ramana said, “We are saying first control Delhi, and then we will see other people also. Call a meeting of other states also, impose some serious steps. In the next few days we want to feel better.”
Tushar Mehta drew attention to the rise in stubble burning over the past few days and said, “There is a possibility of the severe level going into emergency situation.”
“Reports are that we have to consider wind direction. It’s coming from Northwest. There is spurt in burning in the last 5 days. Delhi air has remained static,” he added.
CJI Ramana asked, “Can you ask the government of Punjab and Haryana to hold the stubble burning for a few days? The pollution level should go down.”
The solicitor general informed the court, “I’m not here to apportion blame on any state. Colour of political party doesn’t matter. It’s a collective responsibility. Chief secretaries of all states are meeting.”
“We are going to focus on the emergency response,” he said.
CJI Ramana underlined that the problem is “not about politics”. “It’s everyone’s problem. We want ultimately that pollution levels come down,” the CJI added.
Courtesy:India Today