New Delhi. Expressing concern over the increasing air pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance. The bench of CJI Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, while hearing this case today, said that merely imposing restrictions or passing orders is not enough. The bench questioned the concerned authorities as to what steps have been taken to control pollution. CJI Surya Kant sarcastically said, I hope you all are enjoying the weather of Delhi.
The bench told the officials that there is every kind of talent in Delhi, old things like ban on vehicles, construction ban will not work, new measures will have to be taken. However, the court said that pollution in Delhi is continuously increasing mainly due to vehicles. Senior advocate amicus curiae Aparajita Singh in the court said that the level of pollution is very serious and because of it our throat is becoming suffocated, it is like smoking 30 cigarettes daily. CJI Surya Kant while commenting said that giving gifts to each other on Diwali has become a status symbol and it increases the movement of vehicles due to which pollution also increases. Emphasizing the need for cultural change, the CJI said that people have to understand the real culture and become aware. During the festival, we should also remember our social responsibility towards the environment.
Let us tell you that just on November 2, the Supreme Court in its decision has given permission to burn green crackers in Delhi-NCR on the occasion of Diwali. According to the order of the Supreme Court, green crackers can be burnt from 6 to 7 in the morning and 8 to 10 in the night on November 7 and 8 in Delhi-NCR. However, there will be a complete ban on burning of firecrackers within 300 meters of schools, hospitals and silence zones.