SC Hears PIL in Delhi Pollution; Slams Bureaucrats

New Delhi: Hearing a PIL on crises in the capital due air pollution, the SC said it will not close the air pollution case and give final orders. It called for mutiple hearings in the matter considering the seriousness of the situation. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the centre, informing the development said, “We will review the situation after three days.”

A bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant directed the Centre to follow measures for controlling air pollution for the next two-three days. In the meantime, if the pollution level becomes 100, then some restrictions can be lifted- it added.

Appearing for the petitioner, Senior advocate Vikas Singh, raised concerns on stubble burning, which according to him would be sort if farmers are compensated on their terms. The apex court further demanded an update from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh governments on documents that would indicate the stubble burning rate and emission control methods adopted. The court made it clear it “can’t micromanage” and the government should decide on fines.In a stern notice it asked the state and centre bureaucracies to level fines against farmers enagaged in stubble burning and also upgarde them with modern technologies for a better future.

The National capital has been looming under poor air quality until 357 AQI categorised as very poor. Posting the matter for November 29, the apex court called for ad hoc measures to control the pollution brfore it turns toxic. Being three weeks now that the national capital is blanketed in toxic air, alarms have been trigerred nationally to maintain air quailty.