Delhi News: In a stern response to Delhis deteriorating air quality, the Supreme Court has expressed concern over the Delhi governments lax enforcement of the firecracker ban. The court cited that the ban was “hardly implemented,” which has led to a significant rise in pollution levels in the national capital. With the citys air quality plunging to hazardous levels post-Diwali, Delhi earned the grim title of the “worlds most polluted city” on November 1, according to a Reuters report.Directions to Delhi authorities for immediate actionThe Supreme Court has ordered both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the Delhi Police Commissioner to submit affidavits detailing the measures taken to enforce the firecracker ban during this years Diwali celebrations. Additionally, the affidavits must outline specific actions planned to ensure complete compliance in the coming year. The court has set a deadline of one week for these affidavits.Alarming air quality index readings in DelhiData from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shows the citys air quality index (AQI) breaching the 400 mark in several areas, placing the air quality in the severe category. On Monday morning, monitoring stations in areas like Anand Vihar (433), Wazirpur (414), Jahangirpuri (413), Rohini (409), and Punjabi Bagh (404) all recorded dangerous AQI levels, endangering residents respiratory health. The AQI on Sunday reached a seasonal high of 382, a significant increase from 316 the previous day, marking a grim worsening trend.Supreme Court demands accountability from neighboring statesThe Supreme Court also noted an alarming increase in stubble burning incidents during the Diwali period. In response, it directed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to file affidavits providing data on stubble burning cases from the last ten days of October. These affidavits should also highlight the actions taken to manage farm fires, as the crop residue burning has become a known contributor to pollution in the Delhi NCR region. Furthermore, the Delhi government has been asked to confirm if any farm fires occurred within its jurisdiction during the same timeframe.Other pollution sources to be examinedThe Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih, also indicated that they would review other sources of pollution. These include emissions from transportation, industrial pollution, and the entry of heavy trucks into the city. The bench emphasized the importance of addressing all contributing factors to improve Delhis overall air quality.Next hearing scheduled for November 14With the matter scheduled for a follow-up hearing on November 14, the Supreme Court intends to closely monitor the measures taken by Delhi and its neighboring states. This scrutiny is part of an ongoing effort to enforce pollution control regulations and mitigate the worsening air quality in the region.
