INDIA

Directions Not Implemented By States To Curb Air pollution In Delhi, ‘Result Is Zero’: Supreme Court

Centre and Commission on Air pollution might set up a task force for implementation of measures to reduce pollution

Mumbai: Supreme Court on Monday continued hearing on air pollution in Delhi-NCR and expressed concern over the rising air pollution levels in Delhi and said that it might set up an independent task force to ensure implementation of directions to curb air pollution.

The apex court said that if state governments of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh do not implement the directions issued by them, the Centre and Commission on Air pollution will set up a task force for implementation of measures to reduce pollution.

“All directions and advisories are issued and authorities hope all will be good, but, on the ground, the result is zero,” said Supreme Court.

The Central government’s Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas had issued a slew of directions earlier this month to improve air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas.

It included directions to industries to run on gas, closure of thermal power plants within 300 km radius of Delhi, ban on entry of trucks except those carrying essential goods, ban on diesel generators etc.

Questioning the centre’s decision to continue the construction of Central Vista, the court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to explain what steps were taken to curb air pollution caused by the project in Delhi.

“We’re struggling how to control air pollution in Delhi, whether it Central Vista or anything else. Don’t think we don’t know anything. Don’t flag certain issues to divert attention. Solicitor General will have to reply on this,” said Supreme Court.

The court also observed that while pollution levels are rising, there is another problem of COVID19.

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