New Delhi. The apex court today adopted a strict stance while hearing the case to increasing pollution in Delhi-NCR. Chief Justice Surya Kant said that this is a serious issue and we cannot remain silent on it. He said that CAQM and state governments will have to tighten their belts. The steps taken to stop pollution will have to be demonstrated not just on paper but on the ground. Along with this, the top court has sought a report from CAQM and state governments within a week on the effective measures taken to stop pollution. The next hearing will now be held on December 10.
CJI Surya Kant said that during the time of Covid-19, people were able to see blue sky and stars in the sky, which is proof that the environment can be cleaned. He further said that stubble burning is just one cause of pollution. This should not be made an issue of any kind of politics or ego. The court asked CAQM what its short term plan is to reduce pollution. On this, CAQM said that a counter affidavit has been filed on its behalf. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said that they will file the action report of all the agencies soon.
Let us remind you that earlier during this time, the bench headed by former CJI Justice BR Gavai rejected the suggestion of banning construction works in Delhi. The bench headed by CJI Justice BR Gavai had said that the court cannot take the responsibility of pollution management of Delhi NCR every year, this responsibility rests with the central government. He rejected the advice of banning all construction work in Delhi and said that it would affect a large number of people, instead we would have to think of a long-term solution to prevent pollution.
