Vehicular emission pollution's major reason, Diwali gift culture contributes: SC
What's the story
The Supreme Court on Friday flagged vehicular emissions as a major contributor to air pollution in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), adding that the culture of exchanging Diwali gifts is also a contributor to it. "The culture of Diwali gifts adds to vehicular pollution. People need to realize what our original culture is and what should be done," Chief Justice Surya Kant said. The court stressed the need for immediate, medium and long-term measures to tackle the worsening air quality.
Economic impact
'Look at the roads in Delhi'
Chief Justice Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, also expressed concern over "bumper-to-bumper" traffic on roads across Delhi and its neighboring areas.
"Look at the roads in Delhi and the roads connecting Delhi with...NCR. Take a look at any road and the kind of vehicles moving on them. That is the major problem," the CJI said.
"We keep talking, sometimes make statements and suggestions, but the point is that AQI is already touching 400," he added.
SC
Court highlighted plight of daily wage earners
The court also highlighted the plight of daily wage earners and economically weaker sections who work outdoors despite deteriorating air quality.
The bench noted that the festive season is an important period for many such workers to earn their livelihood.
On stubble burning, the court stressed educating farmers about using machinery for crop residue management instead of farm fires
Pollution control
What is the government doing to tackle pollution?
Appearing for the Centre and other authorities, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati outlined existing measures to tackle pollution, including vehicle entry restrictions and geo-tagging of pollution under control certificates.
"I won't say there is a complete failure of these measures," Bhati said, to which the CJI replied, "But the AQI is already touching 400."
"Yes, because many activities cause pollution," Bhati said, explaining that while long-term measures exist and management is ongoing, the festival season also added to the pollution.
Pollution crisis
Delhi's air quality worsens further, smog engulfs city
Delhi's air quality worsened further on Friday, with an AQI of 391, nearing the 'severe' category. A thick blanket of smog covered the national capital.
Of 59 monitoring stations, 30 recorded 'severe' air quality at 9:00am, while others were in the 'very poor' category.
Rohini recorded the worst AQI at 475, followed by IIT Delhi at 472.
The Air Quality Early Warning System predicts that Delhi could enter the "severe" category on November 6 and 7, coinciding with Diwali celebrations.