Delhi Air Pollution: “Don’t Dilute Norms Without Consulting Us,” SC Tells Delhi Govt

Supreme Court Seeks Explanation

In the wake of the worsening air quality in Delhi, the Supreme Court has issued a stern warning to the Delhi government, asking them not to dilute the emission norms without consulting the court.

Fight Against Air Pollution

The court's order came during a hearing on a plea filed by environmental activist Sunita Narain, who expressed concerns over Delhi's worsening air quality and the government's alleged moves to relax emission norms.

The court directed the Delhi government to file an explanation within two weeks, clarifying why it decided to relax the emission norms without consulting the court.

Health Concerns

The court also expressed concern over the health hazards posed by air pollution, noting that it is a "matter of life and death" for the people of Delhi.

The court's order is a significant step in the fight against air pollution in Delhi. It sends a clear message to the government that they cannot unilaterally dilute emission norms without considering the impact on public health.

Background

In 2016, the Supreme Court had directed the Delhi government to implement a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat air pollution. GRAP is a set of measures that are implemented based on the severity of air pollution levels.

However, in recent months, the Delhi government has been accused of diluting the GRAP norms, which has led to concerns about the government's commitment to fighting air pollution.

Next Steps

The Supreme Court's order will now force the Delhi government to reconsider its decision to relax the emission norms. The court is likely to closely monitor the government's actions in this regard and may take further steps if it is not satisfied with the government's response.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's order is a welcome step in the fight against air pollution in Delhi. It sends a clear message to the government that they must take concrete steps to improve air quality and protect the health of the people of Delhi.