Supreme Court Demands Action on Air Pollution from Northern States

Supreme Court Demands Action on Air Pollution from Northern States

VoM News Desk | October 31, 2023 | 08:17 PM IST | Climate & Environment, Courts & Law | Follow on Google News

Supreme Court Demands Action on Air Pollution from Northern States

Supreme Court Demands Action on Air Pollution from Northern States

In a significant move, the Supreme Court has taken a proactive stance in addressing the critical issue of air pollution in the national capital and its surrounding regions. The court, consisting of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia, and PK Mishra, has demanded that the governments of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan submit affidavits detailing the steps they have taken to control air pollution in the region.

Crop Burning Emerges as a Prime Culprit

During the court proceedings, the bench emphasized that crop burning is a significant contributor to the alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi. The court had previously requested a report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on measures taken to combat air pollution in the national capital as the winter season approaches. However, despite prior efforts, air quality in Delhi remains a grave concern.

States Challenged to Take Action

The Supreme Court has now called upon the concerned states, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, to file affidavits within a week, outlining the specific steps they have implemented to mitigate the ongoing air quality crisis. The court has also directed the CAQM to present relevant data, such as the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the number of farm fire incidents, in a tabular format, highlighting the evolution of the issue.

As the winter season looms, the court’s decision to hold states accountable for their actions or lack thereof demonstrates the pressing need to address air pollution effectively and comprehensively. The Supreme Court’s continued vigilance in the face of this environmental challenge signals a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the people and the environment in the national capital and its surrounding regions.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.