Two days lockdown in Delhi? SC asks Center to prepare plan to tackle pollution

“Tell us how can we reduce the AQI from 500 to at least 200 points. Take some necessary measures. Can you think of a two-day lockdown or something? How can people live?” Supreme Court today told the central government

Describing air pollution as a serious condition, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said, “We have to wear masks even at home”. The top court asked the Centre, “what steps has it taken to tackle air pollution”.

The Supreme Court said that two lakh machines are available for burning stubble, which farmers cannot afford. Taking a jibe at both the Center and the Delhi government, it asked, “Why can’t the central/state government give these machines to farmers or take stubble?”

The court further observed that ‘farmer bashing has become a new fashion’ while there are other reasons for the poor air quality in the city.

“The stub may be part of the problem but is not the only reason,” the court said.

The court criticized the Delhi government’s decision to reopen schools with emphasis on the health of the children. “You have opened all schools in the national capital and now children are exposed to pollutants. It is your jurisdiction, not the Centre. What is happening on that front?”

The court said, “Young children have to go to school in this season, we are exposing them. We are exposing them to pollution, epidemic and dengue,” said Dr Guleria (AIIMS).

The court asked the Center to immediately improve the pollution level in the national capital in the next two-three days. “Take an emergency decision. We will see a long-term solution later,” the SC said.

The Supreme Court fixed November 15 for hearing the petition and asked the Center to inform it about the steps taken to control air pollution.