Nishka Srinivas Veluvali –
Published On: November 29, 2021 at 19:30 IST
On Monday, 29 November 2021, the Supreme Court directed the Governments of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and UP to implement the regulations issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management in Delhi and NCR, the Centre and the Court and ordered to file to amenability by December 1, 2021.
The Bench led by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana stated that, “If the states do not implement the directions, we will set up a task force for implementation of measures to reduce air pollution.”
The Top Court adjourned the matter for Thursday, 2 December and claimed that they wish to give the State Governments an opportunity to fall in with the directions and file their response by Wednesday evening. “States must implement all measures in 48 hours.”
The Apex Court asked the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to answer the issue of Dust pollution produced due to the construction work of Central Vista, brought to notice by Senior Advocate Vikas Singh appearing for the Petitioner Aditya Dubey.
“Central Vista cannot be more important than the rising levels of air pollution. I can play videos, how dust is coming up from Central Vista. It cannot be more important than Supreme Court orders,” Vikas Mehta argued in the Court.
The Bench that included Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Surya Kant exhibited their distress over the rising air pollution. “The Centre says it is taking steps, but the pollution levels are increasing. And there is a looming danger of coronavirus. What to do?
In response to that Mr. Mehta said, “We can deal with the virus separately.”
The Court observed that there were no implementations even after issuing all the directions and advisories.
As the air quality kept on deteriorating, the Supreme Court on November 24 reimposed the ban on construction activities in Delhi-NCR and directed the states to disburse money to the workers from the funds collected as labour cess.