Air pollution in and around the city is in critical condition for the third day in a row. Although the situation improved slightly yesterday, the air quality index remained above 400. The air quality index in Delhi was 437 yesterday. Nearby Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Greater Noida are also above 400. If the air quality index exceeds 400, the situation is considered serious.
The Supreme Court has said that the air pollution problem in the country’s capital has created an emergency and directed a two-day lockdown if necessary. The Delhi and Central governments should take immediate action, Chief Justice N.V. The bench headed by Ramana directed. The case is set to return to court on Monday. The court said the situation in Delhi was “extremely bad” and people were forced to wear masks even at home. The court said that this could seriously affect children as schools are open in Delhi. Solicitor General Thushar Mehta replied that the Air Pollution Control Commission and all concerned were taking action in their own way. In Punjab, straw has been burning continuously for five or six days. Thushar Mehta said that the result is now being seen in Delhi and the states should be directed to impose fines on those responsible. The court was hearing a petition seeking to provide straw destroying machinery to farmers.
Chief Justice NV Ramana said the situation was serious and he had to wear a mask even inside the house. The court directed the Center and the Delhi government to take immediate steps to improve the air quality by Monday. The Delhi Chief Minister has called an emergency meeting to discuss the issue. The apex court rejected the central and Delhi governments’ contention that air pollution in Delhi was due to farmers burning field waste and asked what immediate steps should be taken to control pollution from other sources. Burning of waste is only one cause of pollution. Industrial factories and vehicles are causing pollution. The court also asked that in this case, a two-day lockdown in Delhi could not be declared. Steps to improve air quality should be taken immediately within two to three days. The court was asked to clarify what the plan was for this. The court said the Haryana-Punjab chief secretaries’ meeting should decide to stop burning the waste for at least a few days. Blaming farmers alone is unacceptable. Alternative systems for dealing with fields should be strengthened. The court also said that concerted action was needed on the issue beyond politics.