Delhi Pollution: Supreme Court Directs Air Quality Panel To Decide On Lifting Construction Ban, Industrial Curbs

Recently, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the Delhi government and Centre over deteriorating air quality in the national capital.

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to examine various applications seeking lifting of construction ban and relaxation on industrial restrictions within a week.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana directed the Air Quality Commission to decide on lifting the construction ban and relaxing industrial restrictions, news agency ANI reported.

The commission asked to examine various intervening applications seeking lifting of construction ban and relaxation is expected to take a call in one week, the apex court stated.

The Supreme Court bench was hearing various intervening applications of several builders, forum, sugar, rice and paper mills, etc.

Meanwhile, the Bench has asked the state governments of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to file affidavits mentioning compliance with the order directing payment of minimum wages to workers during the period of construction ban.

Senior Advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for petitioners, told the apex court that things have become better but he stressed that aspects like stubble burning and Standards for Delhi may have to be revisited.

SC is hearing a plea seeking immediate measures to curb pollution in the national capital region.

Recently, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the Delhi government and Centre over deteriorating air quality in the national capital.

“We feel there is nothing happening, in spite of air pollution levels rising,” the Supreme Court had said, warning that it would pass an order if the Delhi government and Centre failed to take measures to control pollution. 

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 SC bench had asked.

In its November 24 order, the SC Bench had re-imposed the ban on construction activities in Delhi-NCR and directed the states to provide subsistence to workers from the funds collected as labour cess for the period during which such activities are prohibited.

(With Agency Inputs)