The Supreme Court lashed out at the Delhi government for its poor implementation of the firecracker ban, which led to the deterioration of air quality in the national capital. It said the ban was “hardly implemented” and called for immediate action.
The Supreme Court, through an order, passed the above direction within a week, directing the Aam Aadmi Party-led Government and the Commissioner of Delhi Police to file affidavits on the actions taken to implement the ban this year and what would be done to comply with it next year.
Reports said pollution levels reached an all-time high—higher compared to the previous couple of years—and the capital was termed the world’s most polluted city on November 1, a day after Diwali. Owing to skyrocketing PM2.5 levels, the air quality plunged to the “severe” category in most areas.
The court has directed the Commissioner of Delhi Police to file an affidavit informing them about the action taken to impose a total ban on firecrackers. It was also observed that incidents of stubble burning were increasing during the Diwali period, and the governments of Punjab and Haryana were ordered to file affidavits regarding the cases of stubble burning during the last ten days of October. The Delhi government has also been asked to report incidents of farm fires within its jurisdiction during the period.
The bench comprising Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih said other sources of pollution, such as transport emissions, heavy truck entry, and industrial pollution, would also be considered. The Supreme Court will hear the matter again on November 14.
Air quality in Delhi continued to deteriorate Monday, with the AQI breaching the severe mark of 400 in many locations. According to the CPCB, the AQI was recorded at an alarming 433 in Anand Vihar, 414 in Wazirpur, and 409 in Rohini. Delhi had recorded its worst AQI of the season at 382 on Sunday, worse than 316 a day ago.
