The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Delhi government
to submit an affidavit detailing the type of equipment used for air quality
index (AQI) monitoring in the capital and its effectiveness.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai
and Justices Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria issued the direction while hearing a
petition concerning stubble burning and its impact on pollution levels in
Delhi–NCR.
During the proceedings, amicus curiae Senior Advocate
Aparajita Singh pointed to reports and videos alleging that water was being
sprinkled near AQI monitoring stations, potentially distorting readings. She
further argued that the equipment in use is outdated and inadequate for
assessing Delhi’s pollution levels.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati,
appearing for the Centre, however, said that the Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB)
operates AQI detectors across the capital, recording hourly, automated
readings.
"This sprinkling of water is happening across the
city...Political parties are spreading such videos," she added.
Upon hearing the arguments, the
Bench ordered the Delhi government to file an affidavit explaining the nature
of the equipment being used and its efficiency to gauge AQI monitors. It
further posted the matter on November 19.
During the hearing, Singh also
submitted that the reduced number of stubble burning cases being reported are
not accurate as they are being undercounted.
"Farmers do not have enough time to harvest the
paddy earlier and thus the solution was to burn it. So we gave a suggestion
that equipment be made available to the farmers for disposing it off. Since
2018, machinery has been given to farmers. The State of Punjab says if ?100 per
quintal compensation is given to farmers from the Centre, then an attempt can
be made to tackle the issue," Singh added, as quoted.
Adding to this, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan
urged the court to adopt immediate measures to tackle air pollution, including
a complete ban on construction, stating that the pollution is causing an
“alarming increase in lung cancer”, the report added.
"Three out of ten deaths in Delhi is due to air
pollution. A PM 2.5 going to my child's lung, it will never leave...
Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) and Commission
for Air Quality Management (CAQM) are not capable to tackle and we need
whip-cracking for this," Sankaranarayanan said.
The apex court, however, denied taking any action on
Sankaranarayanan's appeal, stating that the restrictions are being placed in a
graded manner, finalised by experts.
"We do not possess the expertise to deal with the
same. We are, therefore, not inclined to act on the submission of
Sankaranarayanan that all activities be stopped in Delhi. A large chunk of the
population depends on the various activities for their livelihood in the
capital," the court noted.