SC Gives 24-Hour Ultimatum To Centre & Delhi Govt To Come Up With Pollution Control Measures

The Supreme Court warned that it would pass an order if the Delhi government and Centre failed to take measures to control pollution. The matter will be heard at 10 am on Friday.

Air quality has remained in the 'very poor' category in the national capital (File)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court came down heavily on the Delhi government and Centre over deteriorating air quality in the national capital and gave them 24 hours to come up with a "serious plan" for implementation of pollution control measures.

"We feel there is nothing happening, in spite of air pollution levels rising," the Supreme Court said. The court warned that it would pass an order if the Delhi government and Centre failed to take measures to control pollution. The matter will be heard at 10 am on Friday.

Pulling up the Delhi government for opening schools, the Supreme Court asked why children were being forced to go to school when work from home had been implemented for adults.

"We are serious about industrial and vehicular pollution. You cannot fire bullets from our shoulders, you have to take steps. Why are schools open," the Supreme Court asked.

Senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the Delhi government, responded, "On schools, there is a lot of debate on 'learning loss'. We reopened with the option for online."

This is the fourth straight week that the top court heard arguments over the pollution issue in the national capital, where air quality has remained in the "very poor" category.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Centre, told the Supreme Court that industries found non-compliant were closed and state governments were intimated. 

Tushar Mehta said the highest functionaries were equally worried about pollution and there needs to be reworking of power structure. "Things are going on at jet speed and officers are working round the clock," he said.

The court said that in an emergency situation, all departments need to work in emergent ways. "We cannot enforce or infuse creativity in your bureaucracy, you have to come up with some steps," it said.