Alka Verma-
Published On: November 18, 2021 at 13:57 IST
On Wednesday, the Central as well as State Government faced the wrath of the Supreme Court as they failed to provide an effective measure to curb the air pollution in the National capital, Delhi.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Surya Kant, pulled Delhi government and Central government for their irresponsible behavior.
However, after considering the submissions of Delhi as well as the Central Government, in which they assured that the quality of air will improve by Sunday, the Bench refused to pass any harsh directions.
“Situation would be better after November 21,” stated Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
“So, you are saying, nature will come to the rescue by November 21,” asked Justice Kant.
In addition to this, the Court also asked the concerned Authorities to not lower their guard and directed them to find the best effective solutions to curb air pollution, as soon as possible.
Talking about farmers and stubble burning, Justice Kant told Delhi government counsel, stating that nobody considers the situation and dilemma of farmers and under what circumstances they are forced to burn stubble.
“People sitting in 5-star and 7-star facilities in Delhi keep Accusing the farmers (contributing four per cent and 30 or 40 per cent to pollution). If you have a scientific alternative (a resolution) …let us look at it, rather than blaming farmers. Have you seen their (farmers’) earning per landholding?” stated the Bench.
The Bench also pulled bureaucrats for not taking responsibility and stated that bureaucracy has gone into inertia.
“Bureaucracy developed paralysis…all these things we have to say — how to use sprinklers, how to stop vehicles…they do not want to take any decision”, stated the Bench.
The Bench also pointed to several other factors contributing to air pollution which also included still functioning 10-15-year-old vehicles on the roads of Delhi.
At the end, the Bench asked Authorities to implement letter and spirit the decisions taken in the emergency meeting and listed the matter on November 24 for further hearing.
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