"Will Not Tolerate This": SC Pulls Up Centre, States Over Pollution

The court has asked Punjab and Haryana to reduce stubble burning.

A woman wearing a protective face mask waits to get a transportation in smoggy conditions in New Delhi on November 4, 2019. - Millions of people in India's capital started the week on November 4 choking through "eye-burning" smog, with schools closed, cars taken off the road and construction halted. (Photo/ AFP)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court came down hard on Centre and states over the issue of pollution in the national capital. Citing examples of developed nations, the Court questioned why Delhi is choking every year. "Delhi is choking every year and we are not able to do anything.Every year this is happening and this continues for 10-15 days, this is not done in civilized countries. Right to life is most important". A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta which was hearing the matter said people are not even safe in their homes. "It is not the way we can live. "Centre should do.. state should do" cant go on. This is too much. No room is safe to live in this city, even in homes. We are losing precious years of our lives due to this.” The court asked the Centre and states about measures being taken to curb pollution. "Situation is grim, what do you intend to do as Centre and as Delhi? What do you intend to do to reduce this pollution?" IN PICTURES: Delhi Odd-Even Scheme: Police Fines Odd Number Vehicles On Road; Rs 4,000 On-The-Spot Penalty For Violators! Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, who is assisting the apex court as an amicus curiae in the air pollution matter, told the bench that as per the Centre's affidavit stubble burning has risen by 7 per cent in Punjab and is down by 17 per cent in Haryana. The court has asked Punjab and Haryana to stop stubble burning. The top court also stopped all construction and demolition activities as well as garbage and waste burning in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) till further orders. The top court further said Rs 1 lakh penalty will be imposed for construction or demolition activities in Delhi-NCR and the offenders involved in garbage or waste burning would be penalised by Rs 5,000, reported PTI. The court directed the government to find a solution to this problem saying this won't be tolerated further as image of the national capital is taking a hit. "Things happening every year under our nose. People being advised to not come to Delhi,or leave Delhi. State governments are responsible. People dying in their state & neighbouring states. Will not tolerate this. We are making mockery of everything". WATCH: Know Major Changes In Odd-Even This Time Expressing its anguish, the court said the state machinery has failed to respond to this emergency and there is passing of buck. "Centre and Delhi should act together and not blame each other". The hearing will continue.