New Delhi: The Apex court of India has expressed concerns about consistently raising the air pollution in the nation’s capital.
A three-judge Bench led by CJI NV Ramana said that “We take measures when the condition becomes severe. These measures have to be taken in anticipation based on a scientific statistical model,”
“Take the measures for the next two-three days and we will again hear this matter next Monday,” said the Bench, which also included Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Surya Kant.
“This is the national capital. Look at the signal we are sending to the world. You can stop these (pollution causing) activities in the anticipation itself… Graded response to deal with the spike in air pollution should be taken before the situation becomes severe,” it said, adding that it would not close the matter and continue to hear it even if pollution comes down by “virtue of God’s act” or restrictions.
To keep Delhi’s air quality under check, only CNG-run and electric vehicles will be allowed entry into the city from November 27, while all petrol and diesel transports will remain banned till December 3.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai also said that “As pollution level in Delhi is reducing leading to an improved Air Quality Index (AQI) similar to pre-Diwali days, the Delhi government has taken a slew of measures to maintain it. Entry of trucks and other vehicles, except for those involved in essential services, from outside Delhi has been stopped.”
(_Vinayak)
