NewKerala.com

Delhi's Toxic Air Crisis: Supreme Court Resumes Pollution Battle Today

The Supreme Court is back in session today to tackle Delhi's worsening air pollution crisis. A special bench led by Chief Justice Gavai will examine why pollution control measures have failed despite previous warnings. The court has already demanded action plans from Punjab and Haryana governments to stop stubble burning. Meanwhile, judges are so concerned about the toxic air that they're urging lawyers to use virtual hearings instead of risking their health.

Key Points: Supreme Court Hears PIL on Delhi Air Pollution Control

  • Supreme Court bench led by CJI Gavai hearing crucial pollution PIL today
  • Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana worsening Delhi's severe air quality
  • Court previously expressed concern over ineffective GRAP implementation
  • Justice Narasimha warned toxic air could cause permanent health damage
2 min read

SC to hear PIL on controlling air pollution today

Supreme Court resumes hearing on Delhi's severe air pollution crisis as AQI crosses 450, with stubble burning and construction activities under scrutiny.

"This pollution will cause permanent damage - Justice P.S. Narasimha"

New Delhi, Nov 17

The Supreme Court is set to resume hearing on Monday the public interest litigation (PIL) concerning alarming air pollution levels in the national capital and the adjoining areas.

The hearing assumes significance as stubble burning and stagnant weather conditions continue to push Delhi-NCR's air quality into the "severe" category.

As per the cause list uploaded on the Apex Court's website, a Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai and Justices K. Vinod Chandran and N.V. Anjaria will take up the matter for further hearing on November 17.

In the previous hearing on November 12, the CJI Gavai-led Bench had expressed concern over the deteriorating air quality despite enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), and had directed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to file detailed affidavits outlining the steps taken to curb stubble burning.

The Top Court took note of submissions which highlighted that AQI has crossed 450 at several locations in Delhi-NCR.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan had pointed out that even routine construction activities, including drilling work outside the Supreme Court's own premises, were continuing despite hazardous conditions.

"At least for a few days, such activities should stop," Sankaranarayanan told the Apex Court.

Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, the amicus curiae assisting the Supreme Court, had also flagged discrepancies in official pollution data and warned that the situation had become "very dangerous".

The CJI Gavai-led Bench, which has been monitoring the issue closely, had earlier called for a report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms and had even asked the Centre to consider strict penalties, including arrests, to deter farmers from burning crop residue.

Recently, Apex Court judge Justice P. S. Narasimha urged advocates to avoid physical appearances in Supreme Court proceedings and instead opt for virtual hearings, warning that Delhi's toxic air could cause "permanent damage".

"Situation is very, very serious! Why are you all appearing here?" Justice Narasimha remarked.

"We have the virtual hearing facility. Please avail it. This pollution will cause permanent damage," he added.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Why only target farmers? What about industries and vehicles? The government should provide affordable alternatives to stubble burning instead of just penalties. Farmers are struggling to make ends meet.
S
Sarah B
As someone who moved to Delhi last year, I'm shocked by the air quality. My eyes burn every morning and I've developed a persistent cough. Good to see the Supreme Court taking this seriously. Hope they implement real solutions.
A
Arjun K
Construction work continues even when AQI is 450+? This is criminal! The authorities should enforce work-from-home and stop all non-essential activities during severe pollution days. Public health should be priority number one. 😷
V
Vikram M
Every year same story, same hearings, same promises. When will we see actual implementation? The CAQM needs to be given more power and accountability. Enough of these annual rituals!
K
Kavya N
Justice Narasimha is absolutely right! Why risk our health when virtual hearings are available? We need to adopt technology solutions for such emergencies. Stay safe everyone and wear good quality masks! 👍

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50