Delhi pollution: Supreme Court asks Punjab, Haryana about action on stubble burning; to hear case next week

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked Punjab and Haryana governments about the action taken to control stubble burning in their States, amid deteriorating air quality in Delhi

The Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran passed the order after it was informed that due to the worsening air quality in Delhi, stage III of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented.

"Let Punjab and Haryana Govt respond on steps taken to control stubble burning," the Court said as it ordered the listing of case on November 17.

A day after the recent Diwali celebrations, the air quality in the national capital severely deteriorated. The deterioration of air quality has continued due to various other factors as well

According to media reports, the Delhi government deployed tankers to spray water around the air quality monitoring stations. This was being done to manipulate the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings, the reports alleged.

The Supreme Court had earlier allowed burning of green crackers during Diwali in the national capital and its surrounding districts. However, with the rising pollution levels, medical experts have urged people to leave Delhi for a few weeks.

Last week, the Court had called for a status report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) after it was informed that most of the air quality monitoring stations remained shut during Diwali in Delhi.

According to CQAM, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) clocked 425 at 9 AM on Tuesday. It then announced a 9-point action plan under Stage-III of GRAP in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.

Today, amicus curiae in the pollution case told the Supreme Court that the air quality has reached hazardous stage.

It was also submitted that the authorities need to explain "monitoring issue" as the data on air quality was being falsified.

Meanwhile, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan submitted while GRAP III is in force, GRAP IV should be implemented. He also referred to construction happening within the Supreme Court premises.

"AQI has crossed 450 at some places. There is drilling excavation happening outside court 10. That shouldn't happen at least within these premises," he said.

CJI Gavai then observed that action would be taken in regard to the construction activity.

"List on Monday. We will inform court staff also informally," the Court said.