SC asks air quality panel to apprise it of steps taken to curb pollution
Amid reports of a significant decline in air quality in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas to explain the steps taken to curb air pollution caused by stubble-burning.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average Air Quality Index (AQI) for the last 24 hours in Delhi on Tuesday stood at 197 which is just four points away from the poor category.
"We want answers. We will have it on Friday," a Bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka said after amicus curiae Aparajita Singh drew the court’s attention to newspaper reports of stubble-burning in neighbouring states of Delhi.
"Stubble-burning has begun. I am seeking directions to the CAQM to explain why...And, what action they (CAQM) have taken against erring officials," Singh told the Bench which also included Justice Augustine George Masih. She said the Commission should explain the steps being taken to fix accountability on officials responsible for checking the burning of paddy residue under the CAQM Act.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said the Commission would furnish necessary information on September 27 – the next date of hearing.
Delhi-NCR becomes a virtual gas chamber during October-December due to smog caused by stubble-burning by farmers in Punjab, Haryana and western parts of Uttar Pradesh. The top court – which has been monitoring the issue – has issued a series of directions to the Centre, states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh; Government of NCT Delhi and the CAQM.
Describing the pollution control boards of Delhi-NCR as “ineffective” due to staff shortage, the Supreme Court had on August 27 asked the CAQM to explain the steps proposed to tackle pollution and stubble-burning.
Lamenting the “sorry state of affairs” at the pollution control boards, it had directed Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to fill the vacant posts urgently, preferably before April 30, 2025.
