Delhi’s air quality improved marginally on Wednesday, with the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) being recorded at 375 from 403 a day earlier. However, it still remains in the ‘very poor’ category.
Apart from Delhi, Faridabad (378), Ghaziabad (361), Greater Noida (362), Gurugram (344) and Noida (356) also recorded their air quality in the ‘very poor’ category.
Meanwhile, the Center told the Supreme Court that its panel has discussed with Delhi and other states of North India to address the issue of pollution and suggested measures to be taken in this regard.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the Center and the states, asking what steps they have taken to check pollution. The court also accused the bureaucracy of not taking decisions and leaving them to the courts.
Here are the top developments during the day.
1. During the hearing in the Supreme Court, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana that the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) has taken strict steps to check pollution in Delhi-NCR.
This includes complete closure of all public and private educational institutions, ban on entry of trucks with few exceptions and closure of six thermal power plants within 300 km radius of the national capital.
Acting on the directions of the Supreme Court, the Commission on Tuesday held detailed consultations with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Power, Department of Personnel and Training and Chief Secretary of Delhi and Secretaries of other states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab. did. , and Rajasthan.
2. During the hearing in the Supreme Court, a bench headed by CJI NV Ramana said all the affidavits referred to transport in Delhi-NCR as a pollution source and blamed farmers for the same.
CJI Ramana said that no one is worried about whether farmers will be able to buy machines for stubble management or not. “What we have seen and are seeing is that irrespective of the percentage, the plight of the farmer, the circumstances under which he is compelled, the reasons why he has not been able to follow these scientific reports, nobody is concerned about it. The bench said, Which also includes Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Surya Kant.
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“People sitting in Five Star and Seven Facility in Delhi keep accusing the farmers that it is their responsibility. Have you seen their earnings per tillage? How will they afford these machines? If there is any real scientific based alternative then Please go and convince them,” the bench said.
3. Supreme Court also said The role of firecrackers cannot be denied Which is burnt every year despite the ban.
“Every year when Delhi is jammed, this court is compelled to take the initiative. Please tell us what steps have been taken by the central and state governments,” the bench said.
4. The Supreme Court also observed that it cannot get into the “gritty” and that the bureaucracy has developed a “kind of inertia” of not taking decisions which is left to the courts.
“Enough is enough. We can’t go into the full details of the issue. You kindly take steps to deal with the emergency.”
“What I see as a judge and an advocate general is that the bureaucracy, on the whole, I think has developed some kind of inertia. They don’t want to make any decisions. How to drive a car This court has to stop, confiscate the vehicle, how to stop the fire. We have to do everything. This is an attitude developed by the executive.”
“It is apathy and just apathy,” he said while fixing the matter for next hearing on November 24.
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5. Supreme Court took cognizance when senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Delhi government, held stubble burning responsible for Delhi’s pollution debate on electronic media,
“TV news channels are creating more pollution than anyone” statements made in court are being taken out of context.
“The debate on TV is creating more pollution than anyone. They don’t understand what is happening and what is the issue. The statements are taken out of context. Everyone has their own agenda. We can’t help it. We can and we cannot control. We are focused on finding a solution.”
6. Acting on the measures suggested by the Air Quality Management Commission, the Delhi government on Wednesday banned the entry of trucks with immediate effect till November 21.
“In pursuance of this direction, it is ordered that the entry of trucks into Delhi be prohibited with immediate effect on 21/11/2021 or till further orders,” an order of the Delhi Transport Department said.
Trucks carrying essential commodities like raw vegetables, fruits, grains, milk, eggs, ice and tankers carrying petroleum products will be exempted from the restrictions.
7. The Delhi government has banned construction and demolition activities in the city till November 21. It has also ordered its employees to work from home till Sunday.
The city government had earlier announced closure of all schools, colleges and educational institutions till Sunday and banned construction and demolition activities till November 17.
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8. The Center has asked all its employees posted in the Delhi-NCR region to use public transport as far as possible while going to office.
In an order, the Personnel Ministry said, “In view of the prevailing pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR), all Central Government employees posted in Central Government offices located in the NCR are required to use public transport while attending offices. It is recommended.” As far as possible.”
If employees are using private or government vehicles, it is advised that vehicles be pooled to reduce their number on the road, the order read.
9. Criticizing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for tackling pollution in the national capital, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said the Aam Aadmi Party government spent money on advertisements, which could have been put to better use.
Attacking the chief minister, Patra said, “Advertisements everywhere but no work.”
Patra also cited an RTI reply and a reply given by the city government in the assembly, which said that the Kejriwal government had spent Rs 15.80 crore to “educate” farmers across the country about the product through advertisements. Spent.
The BJP leader said it would be better to spend money to curb pollution in Delhi than to educate farmers about its benefits in states like Kerala.
10. The Noida Traffic Police has issued an advisory to ban the entry of heavy and medium class goods vehicles into Delhi and suggest alternate routes for those traveling elsewhere via the Peripheral Expressway.
Noida Traffic Police said that general public is informed that in compliance with the directions of the Air Quality Management Commission in NCR and adjoining areas, heavy and medium goods vehicles (except those carrying essential commodities) issued till November 21 ) will be strictly prohibited. Entering Delhi.
(with inputs from PTI)
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