The Supreme Court expressed deep concern on Saturday over rising pollution levels in Delhi and criticized authorities for failing to address environmental hazards linked to stubble burning and firecracker use.
The court issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, demanding an explanation within a week for widespread violations of the firecracker ban, with a hearing scheduled for November 14.
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In addition, the court reviewed a funding proposal from the Punjab government aimed at addressing stubble burning. The court directed the Central Government to decide on the proposal within a week and to provide a clear rationale if it rejected the plan.
The Supreme Court reprimanded Justice AS Oka questioned representatives of the Delhi government and police about their failure to enforce the firecracker ban fully. The Additional Solicitor General (ASG), representing the Center, admitted that violations occurred, prompting Justice Oka to demand immediate accountability. He noted that current pollution regulations under the Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1981, have limited punitive measures, suggesting that sealing the premises of those selling banned firecrackers might be necessary.
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Amicus Curiae provided a report indicating a significant increase in pollution on Diwali, with air quality worsening by 10% to 27% in Delhi. In response, the Supreme Court ordered the Delhi government to submit an affidavit explaining why it did not impose a complete ban on firecrackers. The court also issued notices to the Delhi Police Commissioner and to Punjab and Haryana, instructing them to report the number of recent stubble-burning incidents within 10 days.
Justice Oka emphasized that people smuggled firecrackers into Delhi from other states, calling for a comprehensive public awareness campaign before next year’s Diwali to educate the public about the impacts of pollution. Both the Delhi government and the Police Commissioner must submit their responses within the week.
This year, pollution levels on Diwali night exceeded those of previous years, despite the court’s ongoing efforts to address the issue, the Amicus Curiae noted.
