The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a strict warning to the Delhi government for the opening of schools amid the rising air pollution levels in the city.
The SC questioned Delhi government, "When the government implemented work from home for adults then why children are being forced to go to school."
“We feel there is nothing happening, in spite of air pollution levels rising in Delhi,” the court said further.
"We are serious about industrial and vehicular pollution. You cannot fire bullets from our shoulders, you have to take steps. Why are schools open?” said the Supreme Court.
The court has given a 24 hours deadline to Delhi Government, in order to take strict action to control the level of air quality in Delhi. In case, if they fail to take measures to control pollution, then the court will pass an order.
After Diwali, Delhi is facing the issue of air pollution in the city. Due to this an order was issued in which work-from-home was recommended for adults and schools are instructed to take online classes. On November 29, Delhi government reopened the schools irrespective of ‘poor air quality’ in the city.
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The last month of the calendar year has also highlighted that the residents of Delhi were breathing in ‘very poor’ air quality. On December 1, the overall air quality index for Delhi stood at 337. The latest forecast by the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) model highlights that winds are likely to be calm on December 2. This would further deteriorate the air quality due to reduced ventilation. The AQI is expected to jump to 363 on Thursday.