Stubble burning is not a major cause of air pollution in Delhi as it accounts for only 4-10% of the capital's toxic air, informed Centre to Supreme Court hearing petition on the severe air quality of the city. This comes as the Delhi government informed the Supreme Court that it is prepared to implement measures such as "complete lockdown to control local emissions" that are contributing to the national Capital's spell of heavily polluted air.
A special bench consisting of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Surya Kant is hearing a petition regarding the air pollution crisis, which has made breathing
difficult in Delhi.
According to air quality forecast agency SAFAR, the overall air quality index (AQI) in Delhi on Monday morning was 318 and remained in the 'very poor' category.
During the hearing, the SC asserted that vital measures should be taken. In Delhi, initiatives such as the odd-even scheme, lockdowns and truck bans have been implemented.
The bench hearing petition on Delhi air pollution asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who is appearing for the Centre, “Do you agree that stubble burning is not the main cause?”
"Are you agreeing in principle that stubble burning is not the major cause and hue and cry has no scientific basis? Why not apply ban on entry of all vehicles to and fro Delhi?"
asked Justice Kant to Centre.
To this, the Centre agreed and claimed that stubble burning contributes only 10 % of the pollution in Delhi and neighbouring states. At least 74% of pollution in the city is caused by industries,
dust, and vehicles.
The apex court further bashed Delhi government saying that its "affidavit is all about bashing farmers and how the entire cause is stubble burning." "These kinds of lame excuses
will force us to hold an audit of the revenue you are earning and spend on popularity slogans," Justice Surya Kant rapped the Arvind Kejriwal Government.
Also Read: “Ready for full lockdown to curb pollution in Delhi:” AAP to Supreme Court
Further discussing the Punjab Government's initiative of penalising the farmers who are burning stubble, the SC asked a special task force/committee to take immediate steps. "Don’t
punish farmers but persuade them and give them options so that they don’t burn stubble," the top bench asserted.
The Supreme Court also issued an order today, directing the Centre and the states of the Delhi-NCR region to impose work-from-home guidelines in the meantime. An emergency meeting will be
held over the issue, which will be attended by the chief secretaries of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. The case will be heard on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, "the Delhi government is ready to take steps like complete lockdown to control local emissions. However, such a step would be meaningful if it is implemented across
the NCR areas in neighbouring states."
"Given Delhi's compact size, a lockdown would have limited impact on the air quality regime,” said the Delhi govt's affidavit.
The affidavit further read, “We are ready to consider this step if the same is mandated for the entire NCR areas by the Government of India or by the Commission for Air Quality Management
in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas”.
Delhi government also added that online classes would be taken for the safety of the students and employees would be urged to Work From Home. Constructions sites would be also shut for about three days.