Delhi Air Pollution - Industry, Power, Transport & Construction Major Contributors : Supreme Court Directs Centre To Call For Emergency Meeting

The Supreme Court on Monday stated that the major causes of air pollution in Delhi are industries, power, vehicular traffic and construction, and not stubble burning as was sought to be projected.

Based on the affidavit submitted by the Central Government, the Court said "we have come to a conclusion that major culprits of air pollution are construction, industry,transport, power and vehicular traffic apart from stubble burning in some parts".

Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta told the bench comprising the Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant that as per statistics, farmers stubble burning contributed to less than 10% of the air pollution in Delhi.

Observing that the hue and cry over stubble burning was without scientific or legal basis, the bench said that something insignificant was targeted.

The bench also expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the meeting held by "The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas" on Sunday following the directions of the Court on Saturday.

The bench said that most of the decisions are in the nature of "long term measures" and emergency steps were required.

"Even though some decisions were taken by the task force, it has not indicated precisely what steps they are going to take to control these factors which are causing pollution. The Commission under the act has not indicated what steps will be taken to control the pollution-causing elements", the bench observed in the order.

The Chief Justice of India orally said it was unfortunate that the Court has to set the agenda for the meeting of the committee.

The Court directed the Government of India to call for an emergency meeting tomorrow and discuss the areas which it indicated to discuss the implementation process.

"With respect to stubble burning, all affidavits indicate contribution in not much. However there is a good amount of stubble burning taking place in Punjab and Haryaa. We request states to pursue farmers not to burn stubble for two weeks", the bench added.

"Decide what industries are to be stopped, which vehicles can be prevented from plying, which power plants can be stopped and how you can provide alternative power by then", the Chief Justice of India orally told the Solicitor General.

The bench also directed the Centre and the NCR states to introduce "work from home" option for employees for sometime.

Case Title : Aditya Dubey(Minor) Versus Union of India and others| WP(c) No.1135 of 2020

Click Here To Read/Download The Order