Better kill Delhiites with explosives, end suffering: SC on #DelhiPollution
What's the story
On Monday, the Supreme Court pulled up the Central and Delhi governments for not taking action against the deteriorating air quality in the national capital.
The apex court also rebuked the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh for not curbing stubble burning as per its directives.
On Monday, Delhi's air quality index (AQI) was 218 ('poor') at 9:10 am, according to SAFAR.
Details
'Get 15 explosives, better kill them all in one go'
The SC was hearing a matter concerning the pollution in Delhi on Monday.
During the hearing, Justice Arun Mishra told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, "Why are people being forced to live in gas chambers? It is better to kill them all in one go, get explosives in 15 bags at one go."
"Why should people suffer all this?" Justice Mishra asked.
Directives
SC directs Delhi government, Centre to set up air-purifying towers
When the Delhi Chief Secretary said that the city is facing a "governance problem" due to two power centers, the court directed the Centre and Delhi government to put aside their differences.
The court has directed both Delhi and Centre to come up with a plan for setting up air-purifying towers across the city within 10 days.
Other orders
CPCB directed to file report on Delhi factories' environmental impact
The court also directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to file a report on the nature of factories operating in Delhi and their adverse impact on the environment.
Further, the court said that it will take suo motu cognizance on the recent concerns of water pollution in Delhi. It has asked Delhi government and Centre to submit details with relevant statistics.
Punjab, Haryana
SC slams Punjab, Haryana for not checking stubble burning
Meanwhile, slamming Punjab for failing to check increased stubble burning, the court said, "We will hold every machinery in the state responsible."
"Because you aren't able to implement measures, doesn't mean people in Delhi-NCR should die and suffer from Cancer," it added.
The court told Haryana's Chief Secretary, "You'd done a good job earlier in controlling stubble burning, but now it has increased."
Uttar Pradesh
SC demands positive, not coercive actions from UP
The court also asked Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary, "Stubble burning has increased, why shouldn't we penalize you and your machinery?"
When the Chief Secretary responded saying that they have filed 1,000 FIRs and imposed fines up to Rs. 1 crore, the court demanded "positive actions and not coercive ones."
"Everybody should know we are not going to spare anyone of you," the court said.
Quote
Delhi worse than hell, says Justice Mishra
Finally, Justice Mishra said, "People are laughing at our country that we can't even control stubble burning. The blame game isn't serving the people of Delhi."
Calling Delhi "worse than hell," he added, "Life is not supposed to be so cheap. The compensation that was given to victims of Bhopal gas tragedy is much less than what would be given in other countries."