New Delhi. The Supreme Court on Friday heard the issue of increasing pollution in the country’s capital Delhi. The court made strong remarks terming the replies of the Delhi government as unsatisfactory. During the hearing, the court directed the Central Government to appoint police officers at all 113 entry points of Delhi and para-legal volunteers should also be deployed to monitor them. During the hearing, senior lawyer Gopal Shankaranarayan, citing media reports, said that trucks are entering the capital unhindered after paying bribes. Expressing displeasure over this, the court said that it will ensure monitoring arrangements at all entry points. The court said that para-legal volunteers will be deployed for monitoring work after consulting the Delhi Legal Services Authority.
Supreme Court’s big verdict on Delhi pollution crisis, asks state govt to set up checkpoints on all entry points of the national capital. News18’s @_anshuls with more details@GrihaAtul , #Delhipollution #DelhiNCR #AirPollution #pollutioncrisis #AQI pic.twitter.com/m51EhIWOxQ
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 22, 2024
Young lawyer will prepare report
The Supreme Court rejected the claim of the Delhi government that the transport department officials were examining the trucks. The court said that it is not clear from the records as to how many check points have been made and what is the level of investigation. The court has decided to appoint some young lawyers who will visit the entry points of Delhi and monitor them and prepare a report and present it in the Supreme Court.
There will be strict monitoring at 113 entry points
Amicus Curiae informed the court that there are a total of 113 entry points in Delhi, but only 13 have CCTV cameras installed. Expressing concern over this situation, the court ordered the Delhi Government and Delhi Police to set up check posts at all 113 places. The court also said that the footage of the 13 places where cameras have been installed should be handed over to the amicus curiae.
Appointment of Court Commissioner
The Supreme Court has appointed 13 lawyers as court commissioners, who will visit the entry points of Delhi and take stock of the situation. Necessary security and facilities will be provided to these lawyers. The court said that lawyer Aditya Prasad will work with all these court commissioners as coordinator. The report will be prepared and submitted to the Supreme Court during the hearing on Monday.
Air pollution Supreme Court directs Delhi government and Police to immediately set up checkpoints on all 113 entry points to Delhi. Supreme Court says the personnel who are going to man the entry points must be clearly informed about the accepted items under essential… pic.twitter.com/d5UrnmdRs8
— ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2024
Parents face problems due to school closure
During the hearing, a lawyer raised the issue of problems being faced by poor parents due to closure of schools. He said that parents have to stay at home for their children, due to which their livelihood is being affected. The court said that currently schools are closed under Phase 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This will be heard next week. Another lawyer told the court that pollution levels have reduced and GRAP 4 can be reduced to GRAP 3 or 2. The court said on this that the situation will be reviewed on Monday.
