NNWN/ 4-11-2019

Even as odd even scheme came into effect in Delhi on Monday against killer pollution the Supreme Court came down heavily on the Centre and state governments on stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana due to which the pollution levels have gone very high.
The Apex court pulled up the Centre and state governments over the toxic haze enveloping Delhi by stating that the Capital was choking every year and it could not be allowed in a civilised country as the right to life was the most important. “This can’t go on. Delhi government and Centre can't just pass the buck to each other. People aren't safe even inside their houses and rooms,” the court said.

The apex court asked Punjab and Haryana government about the reasons behind stubble burning and stated that this was an annual affair and yet the government barely did anything. “Why are crops still being burnt? This happens every year and the government doesn't do anything. We will call all those responsible here and settle it now,” the court said, adding that it would now monitor stubble burning. Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, who is assisting the apex court as an amicus curiae in the air pollution matter, told that as per the Centre's affidavit crop burning has gone up by 7 per cent in Punjab and is down by 17 per cent in Haryana.