GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd Oct. In a stern assessment of the air pollution crisis in Delhi, the Supreme Court criticized the lack of substantial action to address the annual problem choking the national capital. “Everybody knows that except discussion, nothing is happening. That is the harsh reality of this,” stated Justice AS Oka during a hearing involving the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), responsible for tackling air pollution.
The court’s remarks came after it requested the CAQM to submit an affidavit outlining measures taken to combat stubble burning, a major contributor to Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. Justice Oka highlighted that the committee had met only three times in the past nine months, with no discussions on stubble burning recorded. “The last meeting was on August 29. Entire September, there was no meeting,” he noted, emphasizing the lack of enforcement actions.
Justice Amanullah questioned the seriousness of the committee’s efforts, particularly regarding a sub-committee on safeguarding and enforcement. The judges expressed frustration over the minimal implementation of orders at the grassroots level, stressing that without prosecution, violators would not be deterred. “You must implement your own orders. This is all in the air,” Justice Oka remarked.
The court also criticized the government’s response to the air pollution crisis, pointing out that only nominal compensation had been imposed on those found guilty of burning crop stubble. A discussion ensued regarding the availability of machines to clear stubble, with Punjab’s lawyer noting that while machines were provided free of cost, many farmers were unwilling to use them due to associated costs.
The court concluded that unless penal actions are enforced and fear of consequences is instilled among violators, the air pollution issue in Delhi would persist.
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