The Supreme Court today said that Delhi government and the centre are not acting to curb pollution as it took up a report by the Environment Pollution Control Authority on the pollution caused by stubble-burning. Starting 8 am today, the Delhi government has implemented the "odd-even" traffic rationing scheme as pollution air pollution levels in the city reach apocalyptic levels. Nearly 200 teams of the Delhi Traffic Police have been deployed to ensure compliance and around 5,000 volunteers have been trained to create awareness about the scheme. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi's 24-hour average air quality index stood at 494 at 4 pm on Sunday, the highest since November 6, 2016, when it was 497. The pollution levels prompted the administrations in Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad to close all government and private schools till November 5. Thirty-seven flights were diverted from the Delhi airport due to low visibility caused by the thick blanket of smoke.
Here are the Highlights on Delhi's air quality:
Punjab and Haryana have to extinguish fire from stubbles in agricultural fields and submit a report by Wednesday, the Supreme Court said today as pollution levels across north India, including Delhi, peaked. "If stubble burning takes place, the entire administration -- from the Chief Secretary to the gram pradhan will be responsible", the court said, ordering a slew of measures to bring the pollution in check. The court also sought a road-map from the Centre and the governments of Delhi, Punjab and Haryana to stop pollution on long-term. "People are dying and it can't happen in a civilised country... Every time we are passing orders for the current issue. We have to pass orders for long term measures," the court said.
Mr Kejriwal has urged the Central Government to stop stubble burning within one year.
Delhi is currently reeling under severe air pollution as the air quality is dipping to hazardous levels across the national capital.
Speaking to ANI, Mr Kejriwal said,"From 27 lakh farmers in Punjab and Haryana, in two years only 63,000 farmers have been given machines which have methods to use stubble instead of burning it. So at this speed, it will take 30 years to give it to every farmer. Centre needs to prepare a month-wise schedule for it. Stubble burning has to stop within one year, it''s high time."
The odd-even road rationing scheme, which started today as part of the pollution control measures of the Delhi government, faced scrutiny of the Supreme Court today as the judges looked for a long-term plan for ensuring clean air at the national capital." itemprop="description
Supreme Court says it has been argued that more use of two and three wheelers is causing more harm and no use of implementing odd even pollution.
Supreme Court says if any such activities take place municipal authorities will be personally responsible
Centre says more than 4,000 permitted
Supreme Court says they are also adding to pollution
Delhi government says all polluting industries have been shut down
Centre says 4 districts in Punjab contribute to 44% of stubble burning.
Watch: BJP's Vijay Goel and AAP's Kailash Gehlot face-off on day 1 of #OddEven rule in Delhi.
- NDTV (@ndtv) November 4, 2019
Read more here: https://t.co/ifRQ2bLLcJ#Pollution #AirPollution #DelhiPollution pic.twitter.com/2CPwYSswk0
The state machinery is not acting, the centre and Delhi must act, the Supreme Court said today as Delhi faces a public health emergency due to severe air pollution. The Supreme Court heard a special pollution control report filed by a panel appointed by it, the EPCA, and other issues including pollution caused by stubble-burning in the neighbouring states."
Delhi: BJP leader Vijay Goel who left his house in an odd numbered car to protest against #OddEven scheme, issued a challan for violation of the scheme. https://t.co/WsyVJ0EPBI pic.twitter.com/v7EZLQWmuM
- ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2019
Delhi Chief Arvind Kejriwal shared a car ride with his cabinet colleagues Satyendar Jain and Gopal Rai this morning as the "odd-even" traffic rationing scheme kicked in today in the national capital."
Chandigarh: Punjab Pollution Control Board in association with Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, has launched an awareness campaign, including organizing of street plays, on the issue of stubble burning. pic.twitter.com/HSqeubNc3r
- ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2019
In wake of Severe pollution in Delhi NCR, Health advisory issued by Delhi Govt. Pl follow it. Avoid outdoor activities and take care of elderly and children. pic.twitter.com/uZYYALuF7x
- Satyendar Jain (@SatyendarJain) November 3, 2019
Delhi Air Quality Index: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has opined that the central government should not simply leave the issue of air pollution to the Delhi government and consider it as "top priority" which should be resolved permanently."
Great to know that people of Delhi are coming together to follow Odd Even! #LetsUniteAgainstPollution https://t.co/sIk6KL5OX3
- Atishi (@AtishiAAP) November 4, 2019
Delhi: A layer of smog blankets the area around ITO. Air Quality Index (AQI) is at 434 (severe) in ITO, as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. pic.twitter.com/cRZ01BAvuv
- ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2019
Odd-Even In Delhi From Today As City Gasps Under Choking Smog | NDTV.com Video | With the air quality in Delhi reaching apocalyptic levels, authorities in the world's most polluted capital city will implement the "odd-even" traffic rationing scheme starting 8 am today.
BAGHPAT--500 (AQI: SEVERE)
JIND--493 (AQI: SEVERE)
HAPUR--491 (AQI: SEVERE)
MEERUT--490 (AQI: SEVERE)
KARNAL--474 (AQI: SEVERE)
GHAZIABAD--(AQI: SEVERE)
KAITHAL--(AQI: SEVERE)
SIRSA--(AQI: SEVERE)
NOIDA--(AQI: SEVERE)
GREATER NOIDA--(AQI: SEVERE)
ROHTAK--(AQI: SEVERE)
KURUKSHETRA--(AQI: SEVERE)
DELHI--(AQI: SEVERE)
The pollution in Delhi and its adjoining areas reaching a critical stage, the centre indicated that it will keep tabs on the matter. PK Mishra, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, reviewed the situation this evening with senior officials from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi.