Pinnacle Court says air quality in India is severe and suggests a two-day lockdown in Delhi
The Supreme Court today told the central government to prioritize an emergency plan over long-term measures as Chief Justice NV Ramana said, "You see how bad the situation is....even in our houses, we are wearing masks."
Asking the center and states to submit their response by Monday, the Chief Justice said: "You tell us how do you plan to take the emergency measures? Two-day lockdown? What is your plan on lowering the AQI (Air Quality Index) levels?".
Something needs to happen so that we feel better at least for the next two-three days," the Chief Justice said.
Delhi’s air quality was ‘severe’ from the last few days, recording more than 500 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued, “Everyone is fighting their own battle- state, Centre, agencies. We have filed short summary of steps taken by everyone.”
On the problem of stubble burning, Tushar Mehta claimed that five steps have been taken.
“Two lakh machines [have been made] available for decomposing the stubble for in situ crop stubble management. There are avenues that the statutory commission has opened for using up the stubble in biomass plants etc. There is a complete prohibition on burning,” Tushar Mehta said.
Tushar Mehta targeted the Punjab government and said, “There's a spurt from Punjab in the last few days. The state of Punjab needs to buckle up and do something.”
To this, CJI Ramana said, “You're projecting as if farmers alone are responsible. But that is 40 percent. Where are the steps to ensure Delhi people are controlled? What about firecrackers? Vehicle pollution?”
The Supreme Court said that there are two lakh machines available for stubble burning which farmers cannot afford it. Lashing on both Centre and Delhi government, it asked, "Why can't Centre/State govt provide these machines to farmers or take away the stubble?"
Delhi’s air quality was ‘severe’ from the last few days, recording more than 500 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), according to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).
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'. Authorities on Friday had advised people to limit outdoor activities and told government and private offices to cut vehicle use by at least 30 percent as air quality in Delhi-NCR inched towards the emergency level amid a rise in emissions from farm fires and unfavorable meteorological conditions.
