On the issue of increasing air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court has today directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to file an affidavit stating what steps have been taken so far to prevent the pollution situation from becoming more serious. The Court was also informed that in recent times several media reports have revealed non-functionality of air quality monitoring stations.
Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran’s bench was hearing environmental matters related to the MC Mehta case. Let us tell you that on October 14, the court had given temporary relaxation in the complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR and allowed the use of green crackers on Diwali, which will be applicable with some conditions.
According to the information available, the court had issued several guidelines in that order, in which it was asked to monitor the air quality index and prepare reports on the pollution levels. During this, the court was told that there is a need to take preventive measures before the pollution situation becomes serious. On the CAQM’s demand to file a report, the Supreme Court ordered that the Commission file a detailed affidavit on its future steps to prevent the pollution from worsening.
During the hearing, senior advocate Aparajita Singh (amicus curiae) said that reports of air monitoring stations being non-functioning were a matter of concern and if these stations were not functioning, it would be difficult to know when the GRAP rules would be implemented.
On this issue, CAQM stated that they have already filed a report, which could not be heard due to paucity of time. While putting this responsibility on the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), it was said that they have the data, hence the report should be filed only there. The amicus objected to this and said that the Commission seems to be running away from its responsibilities.
It is noteworthy that in the October 14 order, the Supreme Court had issued detailed instructions for the sale of green crackers, monitoring, time limit, licensing, and stopping the entry of firecrackers from outside areas into NCR. Under these instructions, district-wise patrolling teams will be formed to monitor the sale and there will be a ban on buying and selling of firecrackers through online platforms.
Now the court has made it clear that the relief has been given only as a “test case” and will be reviewed in future.
Before the next hearing on this matter, CAQM and CPCB will have to file reports at their respective levels, in which the status of pollution prevention, functioning of monitoring stations and compliance with the rules applicable during Diwali will be clarified.