Supreme Court Criticizes Delhi Government Over Rising Pollution and Firecracker Ban Violations
"SC Demands Action Plan from Delhi Authorities and Central Government to Prevent Future Pollution Crisis"
The Supreme Court has voiced concerns over the ineffective enforcement of pollution control measures in Delhi and has demanded a response from the Delhi government. The Court stated that a mechanism needs to be established to prevent a similar situation next year. Notably, the Court issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, questioning the failure to control the use of firecrackers despite the existing ban, leading to pollution levels higher than those recorded in 2022 and 2023.
The SC emphasized that firecrackers are a primary contributor to the sudden decline in air quality. The amicus curiae highlighted that pollution levels on Diwali night this year exceeded those of the previous two years, despite the ongoing court proceedings on this issue. Reports indicate that firecrackers were brought in from other states, violating the Delhi ban. Criticizing the Delhi government, the Supreme Court pointed out that the ban was not strictly enforced, underscoring the importance of such restrictions for curbing pollution.
The Supreme Court also directed the central government to make a decision on the funding request from the Punjab government, advising either to approve or reject it rather than leaving the matter pending.
The Court ordered the Delhi government to submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken to combat pollution, and the Delhi Police Commissioner was similarly instructed to outline the measures implemented to enforce the firecracker ban. Both parties must also indicate proposed actions to prevent a recurrence next year, including public awareness campaigns, with a deadline of one week for filing these affidavits. Additionally, Punjab and Haryana were directed to submit affidavits regarding stubble burning incidents over the last ten days.
The amicus curiae noted that stubble burning incidents peak around Diwali, with 160 cases recorded the day before Diwali and 605 on Diwali day, leading to an increase in pollution from 10% to approximately 30%.
