Delhi pollution: SC asks Centre to hold meet today, says ‘unfortunate’ it has to set agenda

Delhi air pollution: Earlier in the day, the Delhi government told the Supreme Court that it is ready to take steps such as “complete lockdown to control local emissions” contributing to the national capital’s spell of heavily polluted air.WITH THE Centre stating that dust, vehicular transport and industry were the major contributors to the air pollution that has choked the national capital, the Supreme Court asked the Government to hold an emergency meeting Tuesday to decide on how to tackle the situation.

Referring to an affidavit filed by the Centre, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India N V Ramana said: “…with respect to stubble burning, all affidavits indicate contribution is not much. However, there is a good amount of stubble burning taking place in Punjab and Haryana. We request states to pursue farmers not to burn stubble for two weeks.”

The bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and Surya Kant, expressed its unhappiness over the executive not being able to take concrete steps to tackle the crisis and said “it is very unfortunate we have to set the agenda for them”.The court will hear the matter next on November 17. Since Sunday, Delhi’s air quality has been in the “very poor” category, and it is expected to remain in that zone for at least three more days.On Monday, the CJI told Advocate Rahul Mehra, who appeared for the Delhi government: “Pollution levels have to come down immediately. That is the main concern. How you do it is your problem.” Mehra said Delhi was ready to impose a lockdown as suggested by the court during the previous hearing.

“Centre and three states (Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh), you must come up with a complete proposal. If you don’t, then don’t blame us for giving directions,” said Justice Surya Kant.The court also took exception to the Delhi government’s reply to a query on the number of mechanised road sweepers — that the 69 machines are being operated by the municipal corporation, which could also be asked to file an affidavit.

With Thanks Refrence to: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/delhi-lockdown-pollution-supreme-court-7623240/