SC directs Centre, Delhi govt to formulate 'serious plan' within 24 hrs to curb air pollution

New Delhi: Supreme Court on Thursday (December 2, 2021) gave 24 hours deadline to the Centre and Delhi government to come up with a serious plan for implementation of air pollution control measures. 

The apex court told Centre and Delhi governments that if they fail to do take measures to control pollution, then the court will pass an order. "We are serious about industrial and vehicular pollution. You cannot fire bullets from our shoulders, you have to take steps. Why are schools open? " the top court said to the Delhi government. 

Supreme Court tells Centre and Delhi governments that if they fail to do take measures to control pollution, then the court will pass an order.

Court to hear the matter tomorrow at 10 am. — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2021

Supreme Court also pulled up the Delhi government for opening the schools amid the rising air pollution levels in the city. The apex court questioned Delhi government’s decision to reopen schools. 

When the government implemented work from home for adults then why children are being forced to go to school, questioned SC. The court also expressed concern over no steps being taken by the Delhi government on ground to control 'extreme' pollution levels.

Air pollution in Delhi-NCR: Supreme Court pulls up Delhi government for opening the schools amid the rising air pollution levels in the city.

SC asks Delhi government when the government implemented work from home for adults then why children are being forced to go to school pic.twitter.com/wl4Y7mhSqV — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2021

We feel there is nothing happening, in spite of air pollution levels rising in Delhi, the Court observed while hearing today.Delhi government reopened the schools on November 29 for all the classes despite the increasing air pollution level. The Court will hear the matter tomorrow at 10 am again. 

Meanwhile, the air quality in the national capital continued to remain in the `very poor` category today, according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR). The overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi on Thursday morning was recorded at 312.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered `good`, 51 and 100 `satisfactory`, 101 and 200 `moderate`, 201 and 300 `poor`, 301 and 400 `very poor`, and 401 and 500 `severe`.

SAFAR has issued an advisory to avoid outdoor physical activity and prolonged exertion in view of the poor air quality. 

Some residents of Delhi complained of respiratory problems and said that no improvement has been witnessed in the air quality.

(With agency inputs)