Come up with action plan to fight air pollution: SC to Centre, Delhi govt

The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre, Delhi government and the civic agencies concerned to come up with an action plan to fight rising pollution levels in the national capital.

The Supreme Court asked the central government on Tuesday to inform within 48 hours if it has a policy, or graded response, to check rising air pollution in Delhi.

A man seen wearing a mask after heavy smog engulfed Mayur Vihar on Monday. (Sushil Kumar/HT PHOTO)

The top court also asked the Centre, Delhi government and the civic agencies concerned to come up with a common minimum programme, or an action plan, to fight the menace.

It was hearing a plea filed by the Environment Pollution Control Authority, which has sought a proper monitoring of pollution levels. The matter will now be heard on November 10.

Delhi has been reeling due to a thick cover of smog and haze since Diwali. The toxic air and the city’s worst smog in nearly 17 years have sparked concerns of health hazards among citizens.

The smog is making children wheeze, giving the healthy a chronic cough, and risking 18 million people to asthma, heart disease, stroke, and even cancer.

Read: Odd-even might not be back soon as Delhi weather has improved: Minister

Faced with criticism, the city government has announced a list of measures, including the closing down of schools. The Centre too has taken stock, with Union environment minister Madhav Dave holding a meeting on the issue.

The high pollution has been blamed on a combination of factors: high vehicle population, unchecked construction, road dust and garbage burning, among others. This was made worse by the stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana and Diwali crackers.

Read: NGT pulls up Delhi, Punjab and Haryana govts over air pollution, smog cover