'Stubble burning alone pollutes?' SC's COVID-19 'blue skies' reminder
What's the story
The Supreme Court on Monday expressed doubts over whether stubble burning is the only cause of air pollution in Delhi. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant sought a report on measures taken to control other pollutants. The court was hearing a long-pending case related to environmental issues, including the ongoing air pollution crisis in the national capital.
Pollution sources
Court questions reliance on stubble burning as pollution factor
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the court that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has identified stubble burning, vehicular pollution, construction dust, road dust, and biomass burning as contributors to Delhi's air pollution. However, CJI Kant pointed out that it's easy to blame farmers for stubble burning when they aren't present in court to defend themselves. He also noted that stubble burning had occurred before without such a drastic drop in air quality.
Pollution measures
Court seeks report on measures against non-stubble pollution
"During COVID, stubble burning happened as usual, but we could still see blue skies and stars. Why? Something to be thought about and other factors," the CJI said. He then asked for a report within a week on steps taken to tackle other pollutants. The court also reiterated its commitment to monitor this case regularly as part of its efforts to tackle the pollution crisis.
Accountability
Court emphasizes accountability and scientific solutions
"None of the cities of the country were developed to accommodate this scale of population or with the thought that each home will have multiple cars. Let us see which measures are suggested to us and how these measures are implemented or are in paper only," CJI Kant said. The court asked the CAQM and the Centre to present both short-term and long-term plans to improve air quality. CJI Kant stressed that "none of us can sit idle."