Delhi Air Pollution: Delhi has not seen a significant improvement in air quality.
The Supreme Court resumed hearing on a case related to construction in the Delhi-NCR region which was banned by the top court in view of the deteriorating air quality.
On Thursday, Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the measures taken over the last few weeks. Warning of strict action, the court gave a 24-hour ultimatum to centre, Delhi, and neighboring states to act against industrial and vehicular pollution - counted as the main causes behind the deteriorating air quality.
Delhi's air quality deteriorated sharply last month after Diwali. Farm fires were also cited as a source - but that led to debates and blame games. A month on, the city is still gasping for air.
Here are the Highlights on Delhi Air Pollution Supreme Court Hearing:
- Supreme Court approves measures proposed by Centre on enforcement task force and flying squads
- Supreme Court allows construction/renovation in covid hospitals in Delhi (exempts them from construction ban)
CJI NV Ramana reads order:
We have considered the affidavits by Centre and Delhi. In view of measures taken by them, we direct Centre and Delhi to implement those measures (measures on Enforcement taskforce and flying squads). Exempt construction work for Covid hospitals in Delhi from the ban.
List matter on Dec 10
Rahul Mehra for Delhi Govt: Exempt covid hopsitals from construction ban
CJI NV Ramana: we will consider
Vikas Singh for petitioner: They act only once suggestions are made. We said flying squads so they formed it. They do nothing on their own. Their affidavit makes it seem like everything is ok
CJI NV Ramana: If Govts did everything on their own there would be no need for PILs to be filed
CJI NV Ramana: Let the govt work. We cannot hear just you. We have to hear them also.
Vikas Singh for petitioner: All industries running on unclean fuels need to be shut
Adv Ranjit Kumar : Cannot shut down sugarcane mills and factories. They are not even in vicinity of Delhi. Currently only allowed for 8 hours. Need to function for more.
Justice DY Chandrachud: But their affidavit does exempt certain industries
Justice Surya Kant: How many of them are in NCR
Adv Ranjit Kumar: There are many in Gajrola and Baghpat which are in NCR
SG Tushar Mehta: This taskforce would meet everyday at 6 pm. Flying squads will report to them
We have put in place measures for industrial units functioning timings
Justice DY Chandrachud: These flying squads will be only in Delhi or in NCR also?
SG Tushar Mehta: It will be in full NCR region. And dereliction of duty from their end will be dealt with strictly.
Justice DY Chandrachud: If you are shutting thermal power plants do you have alternative sources of power? There should be no affect on availability of power
SG Tushar Mehta: We will have meetings with Power Ministry
CJI NV Ramana: You have to think of long term plan as well on that front
CJI NV Ramana to Abhishek Manu Singhvi who is appearing for Delhi Govt: It seems some section of media and even some people projecting us as villains because we said close schools. It was Delhi Govt's own suggestions on closing things down -WFH etc. Have you seen the papers today?
Abhishek Manu Singhvi for Delhi Govt: You must put the blame where it is. Today one newspaper in particular has portrayed yesterday's hearing as an aggressive combat that newspaper is in variance with two others. I am also an aggrieved party
CJI NV Ramana: Some people projecting as if we are not concerned about welfare of students
SG Tushar Mehta: We have filed affidavit
Justice DY Chandrachud reads it out (enforcement taskforce and flying squads)
SG Tushar Mehta: We formed these yesterday
Delhi-NCR pollution hearing begins
Delhi Government files affidavit in Supreme Court in pollution case
- Requests Supreme Court to exempt construction work at over 20 Covid hospitals from construction ban
- Informs Supreme Court that it reopened schools "in light of directions issued by CAQM" (Commission for Air Quality Management)
'Flying Squads Doing Checks': Centre To Supreme Court On Delhi PollutionAn enforcement task force and flying squads have been formed to ensure that the air pollution norms are followed, the Centre told the Supreme Court on Friday.
The Supreme Court had yesterday warned the government that it would have to do something extraordinary if the authorities failed to control pollution. The court had given the Centre and Delhi government 24 hours to submit suggestions on how to control the pollution in the national capital.
In its response, the Centre said that an enforcement task force has been created, which will have the power to take punitive and preventive action against those persons and entities who do not comply with the rules.
Delhi Schools To Close Over Air Crisis, Were Open For Just 4 DaysSchools in Delhi will be shut from tomorrow till further orders over air crisis, state Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced today, shortly after a rap from the Supreme Court.
"We had reopened schools considering the forecast that air quality would improve. However, the air pollution levels have increased again and we have decided to shut schools from Friday till further orders," Gopal Rai said.
Warning of a strict action, the Supreme Court gave a 24-hour ultimatum to Centre, Delhi, and neighboring states to act against industrial and vehicular pollution - counted as the main causes behind the deteriorating air quality.
Chiding the Arvind Kejriwal government over the reopening of the schools, the top court said that "three-year-olds and four-year-olds are going to schools but adults are working from home". "We will appoint somebody to administer your government," Chief Justice NV Ramana said.