DELHI AIR POLLUTION IS PAINTING A NEGATIVE PICTURE OF INDIA BEFORE THE WORLD - SC

The Bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant stated that ad-hoc measures are not enough to curb the air pollution in the capital city. The toxic pollution in the capital is painting a negative picture of the country to the world. The Top Court urged the center and the state to come out with statistical and scientific studies to combat the problem. The bench further urged to take steps in anticipation of the weather that prevails in North India during the winter months to improve the air quality. 

The Court said that we only take measures when the weather becomes severe and when we see a spike in pollution levels. 

The bench kept the matter for hearing following Monday after SG Tushar Mehta notified the Court about the various steps taken or planning to take in order to improve the air quality. The Court said that they would continue monitoring the case. 

The Court heard a petition by a 17-year-old regarding the poor quality of air in Delhi and its adjoining areas. During the previous hearing, the bench criticized the governments and the bureaucracy for not tackling the issue concretely. 

After the Court's critical view, the governments (central and state)came out with measures such as - bans on the entry of trucks, construction, and shutting down of thermal power plants in a 300 km radius.

The Court asked the government to continue with the measures for the next few days till the next hearing. 

Author: Papiha Ghoshal