LIVE UPDATES- Delhi Air Pollution: Supreme Court Hearing

Mr Vikas Singh submit Centre’s earlier affidavit said the stubble burning has increased

CJI: Mr Singh you are saying farmers need to be blamed or what? Delhi Counsel please clarify what steps you’re taking. 

SG: Whatever more can be done will be done, Delhi has done its best. Punjab has done its best.

 J Kant: How many machines are there? Their entire affidavit ( Delhi Govt’s) is about blaming the farmers

Sr Adv Rahul Mehra: No

J Chandrachud: now the cat is out of the bag, Farmers & burning is 4% of the pollution acc to the tabulated chart.

Justice Chandrachud: Tell us by 17th what are concrete measures that you can take to bring about a change in the situation

 CJI: last hearing we mentioned stubble burning is not major issue, city related issues are there. So if you take steps on them, situation will

Improve. 

Bench: Why no plying of all vehicles in Delhi? 75% of the pollution is due to three factor industry, dust and transport. 

Bench - Are you agreeing that stubble burning is not the main cause. That hue and cry has no scientific basis? We are coming to the suggestion.Now you are banning entry of trucks in Delhi. Why no plying of all vehicles in Delhi. 75% of the pollution is due to three factor industry, dust and transport.

J Kant: Are you agreeing in principle that stubble burning is not the main cause?

SG: yes

J Kant: so that hue & cry has no scientific or legal basis?

SG: Three more drastic steps we have thought of are which haven’t been implemented are: First is odd even scheme. The. Truck entry ban to delhi, severest would be Lockdown.

CJI: atleast they’ve closed schools, allowed people to work from home. 

SG: we’re not averse to any drastic measures

J Kant: tell us what are the drastic measures that can be taken

J Kant: on last date CJI pointed out emergency steps are required to be taken. The suggestions you’re pointing are, this can only be a long term plan. How many mechanised road cleaning machines are available in Delhi? 

SG lists down suggestions: Ensure closing of stone crushers in Delhi NCR. Badarpur plant we haven’t directed a shut down as its already shut down. Stop use of coal or firewoods in hotels or eateries. Stringently enforce & stop garbage burning.