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Supreme Court Breaks Silence: Why Delhi's Toxic Air Demands Action Now

The Supreme Court has made it clear it won't stay silent on Delhi's dangerous air quality. It's pushing the air quality commission for a real plan to tackle the crisis, asking for a report in just seven days. Interestingly, the judges are cautioning against blaming farmers alone and want to know what role construction and other factors play. They even pointed out that the skies were clear during COVID, raising big questions about the usual explanations for the pollution.

Key Points: Supreme Court Questions CAQM on Delhi Air Pollution Action Plan

  • Court directs CAQM to submit an actionable anti-pollution strategy within one week
  • Bench questions singling out farmers, asks for data on construction and other factors
  • SC recalls clear skies during COVID, challenging stubble burning as sole cause
  • Aishwarya Bhati informs court target is 'zero burning' but it remains seasonal
2 min read

'Can't sit idle': SC on its desire to address Delhi air pollution

Supreme Court demands report on Delhi's toxic air, questions focus on farm fires, and seeks strategy from pollution control authorities within a week.

"We cannot remain a mute spectator or sit 'idle' while the air in the National Capital turns toxic, affecting millions of people. - Supreme Court Bench"

New Delhi, Dec 1

Refusing to comment on farm fires’ impact on Delhi air, the Supreme Court said on Monday that it cannot remain a mute spectator or sit “idle” while the air in the National Capital turns toxic, affecting millions of people.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to submit a report within a week on an “actionable” strategy to address the recurring air crisis and highlight steps taken against polluting factors other than stubble burning.

While listing the next hearing on December 10, the CJI-led bench questioned the CAQM on its short-term plan on cleaning Delhi’s air and asked it about the biggest polluting factor, identified through scientific analysis.

During the hearing related to the MC Mehta case, the apex court cautioned against singling out farmers for the toxic air in Delhi and sought answers on the role played by construction activity, among other factors, in increasing pollution in the Capital.

“We do not want to comment on stubble burning, as it would be incorrect to burden the people who are hardly represented in the court,” said the court.

“Stubble burning was there during the COVID, but why could the people still see a clear blue sky?” asked the bench.

The issue of stubble burning should not unnecessarily become a political issue or an issue of ego. If at all a farmer is burning, it is also for an asset, it's a commodity, the court said.

The court sought details of the steps taken by the Union Environment Ministry and the outcomes achieved so far. “Have you been able to bring any positive impact?” asked the CJI-led bench.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the bench that action-taken reports from all authorities, including Punjab, Haryana and the CPCB, would be filed.

She submitted that the target for all states was “zero burning,” which had not been achieved, but added that stubble burning is only a seasonal factor.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The court's point about clear skies during COVID lockdowns says it all. It proved that when we stop our daily polluting activities, the air cleans up. The problem is us, our cities, our lifestyle. Tough to accept but true.
A
Aman W
"Zero burning" target is good on paper, but what is the government doing to help farmers achieve it? Where are the subsidies for machinery? Where is the support for alternative methods? You can't just ban without providing solutions.
S
Sarah B
Living in Delhi with two young children, this issue is personal. Every winter is a health nightmare. I'm glad the Supreme Court is stepping in and demanding actionable reports. We need enforcement, not just more committees and plans.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the court's intent is good, is this the best use of judicial time? Shouldn't the elected government and its agencies be solely responsible for solving this? The judiciary directing executive action sets a tricky precedent.
K
Kavya N
The court is right, it shouldn't become a political ego issue between states. Delhi's air is a national capital problem, requiring a united national effort. Punjab, Haryana, UP, Delhi itself... all need to work together. Jai Hind!

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