24 Hour Ultimatum Issued By The SC Against Centre, Delhi Govt To Take Action On Air Pollution

New Delhi: The national capital's air quality index is deteriorating day by day thanks to its humongous amount of air pollution so much so that it has become almost like a gas chamber if we may say so. The hazardous condition in Delhi will cause severe respiratory problems for its residents. 

In order to improve the situation, the Supreme Court has been compelled to interfere in this matter.

The apex court on Thursday, 2 December, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Delhi Government as well as the Central Government to take appropriate action and curb the menace of toxic air pollution. It has also asked both the Governments to come up with serious plans within 24 hours and try to bring about a solution to tackle this problem.

The failure to do so within the stipulated time given would result in the court passing an order, the court warned. The top court further added that they were serious about industrial and vehicular pollution in the city and also questioned the Delhi government's decision to not shut down schools.

The Delhi Government was swift in responding to the criticisms made by the Supreme Court and the Environment Minister of Delhi, Gopal Rai, immediately announced the closure of all schools in the national capital from Friday, 3 December onwards.

"All schools in Delhi will remain closed from tomorrow till further orders due to current air pollution levels in the city," said Gopal Rai.

The Supreme Court has also decided to form a commission for air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas saying that "in an emergency situation you have to work in emergent ways".

It said: "We cannot enforce or infuse creativity in your bureaucracy, you have to come up with some steps."

A three-bench judge of the Supreme Court comprising of Chief Justice NV Ramana, justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant will further hear the matter at 10 am on Friday, 3 December.

Delhi was ranked as the most polluted city in the world only to be surpassed by the Pakistani city of Lahore a few days back. The reasons for the hazardous air quality of Delhi are several.

It is due to the massive pollution caused by the various industries located in the National Capital. Also, the crops that are burned in the border states of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh have a detrimental impact on the air quality of Delhi. 

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