While Delhi government is yet to decide on the steps it plans to take in order to deal with the increased air pollution, the Supreme Court of India has asked Delhi, Haryana and Punjab to hold an emergency meeting and decide on the solutions.
During the hearing on Monday, the CJI said, “Broadly all affidavits indicate that stubble burning does not cause much pollution but a good amount is taking place in Haryana and Punjab. We request state governments to pursue the farmers to stop the burning for a week. We direct the centre and states of NCR-region to impose work from home for the meantime.”
The court directed the centre to hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday to account for the points cited by the bench and demanded a report on the final decision. “Construction, power, transport, dust and stubble burning are the issues. Ask the committee created and decide how to implement the action plan by tomorrow evening. Please decide which industries can be stopped, which vehicles can be prevented from plying and which power plants can be stopped and how you can provide alternative power by then. You have to come back tomorrow evening and apprise us,” it added.
According to Bar and Bench, Justice Kant also said during the hearing, “Delhi govt affidavit is all about bashing farmers and how the entire cause is stubble burning.”
Justice Chandrachud also said, “As per your affidavit, 75%of the pollution according to scientific study is due to industries, transport and dust. Thus, it’s not stubble burning. These three factors have to be reduced.”
Meanwhile, the district administration of Gurugram has ordered all schools and colleges to remain closed till November 17. The order was issued Monday afternoon and also urges all government and private offices to implement work from home.