The Supreme Court on Monday said it will hear on December 17 a petition related to worsening air pollution levels in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).
A bench of Chief Justice (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M Pamcholi considered the submissions of senior advocate Aparajita Singh, who is assisting the court as amicus curiae. Singh said that although preventive measures are in place, the main issue is poor implementation of the measures by the authorities.
Singh said that unless this court gives any direction, the officers do not follow the already existing protocol.
On this the CJI said, “This matter will come before a bench of three judges on Wednesday.” There will be a hearing on this.
Another lawyer, citing an application related to the health issue of children, said that despite earlier orders, schools were organizing outdoor sports activities.
The amicus curiae also said, “Despite this court order, schools have found ways to organize these sports activities… These activities are taking place. CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) is once again citing this court order.
“We are aware of the problem and we will pass orders that can be followed,” the CJI said. There are some instructions which can be enforced by force. People have their own lifestyle in these urban metropolises. But what will happen to the poor?
The amicus curiae said that poor laborers are suffering the most.
Earlier, the bench had said that a petition filed against air pollution cannot be considered a “normal” case, which can be listed only in the winter months.
She had said that the matter would be heard twice a month to find short-term and long-term solutions to this problem.
Delhi remained shrouded in dense smog on Monday, taking the air quality index (AQI) to 498, which falls in the ‘severe’ category.
The air quality was ‘severe’ at 38 centres, while it was ‘very poor’ at two centres. Jahangirpuri recorded an AQI of 498, the worst air quality among all 40 centres.