New Delhi: The Delhi government told the Supreme Court on Monday that it is ready to impose a complete lockdown in the national capital to control air pollution. The Aam Aadmi Party government submitted its proposal to the apex court today.
The Kejriwal-led government also suggested to the court that it would be meaningful if lockdown is implemented across the NCR areas in neighboring states.
The Delhi government said that air pollution in the national capital is due to stubble burning by the farmers in the nearby areas. However, in response to the Delhi government's claim, the Centre told Supreme Court that stubble burning is not the major cause of pollution at present in Delhi and northern states, as it contributes to only 10% of the pollution.
The apex Court then slammed the Delhi government, saying it's passing the buck to Municipal Commissioner. "This kind of lame excuse will force us to hold an audit of the revenue you are earning and spend on popularity slogans", said the Supreme Court, as quoted by ANI.
The apex court had on Saturday termed the rise in pollution levels an "emergency situation" and suggested clamping a lockdown in the national capital.
The Delhi government has already announced the closure of physical classes in schools, colleges and other educational institutions, except those where exams are being conducted, for a week from Monday.
All government offices, agencies and autonomous bodies, except those involved in essential services, have been directed to ask employees to work from home. No construction and demolition activity is allowed in the capital till November 17.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has asked Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to consider implementing similar restrictions to contain spiralling air pollution levels.
The state governments and district administrations in the National Capital Region have also been suggested to issue a 'citizen charter/advisory' for the public on steps that need to be taken during various stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The Ministry of Earth Sciences' air quality forecasting agency SAFAR said transport-level winds are "slowing down resulting in lesser intrusion of farm fires-related pollutants into Delhi".
Delhi's AQI Remains in 'Very Poor' Category
Delhi's air quality remained in the 'very poor' category for the second consecutive day on Monday, with the AQI being recorded at 342.
The air quality index of Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, Gurgaon and Noida stood at 328, 340, 326 and 328 respectively at 9.05 am.
A visible improvement in Delhi's air quality was recorded on Sunday although it was in the 'very poor' category.
The national capital recorded a 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) of 330 on Sunday as against 473 the previous day as emissions from farm fires in Haryana and Punjab dropped significantly.
An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe