The Supreme Court's recent remarks on Delhi's pollution crisis have further intensified the focus on the severe air quality issues plaguing the national capital. As the air quality dips into hazardous levels, largely exacerbated by stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana, the court took a strong stance against both the Centre and state governments. The ongoing pollution crisis, which is an annual phenomenon during the winter months, has pushed Delhi’s air quality into the "very poor" and even "severe" categories, raising alarm over the health risks faced by millions of residents.
The court's criticism was directed particularly at the amendments to the Environmental Protection Act, which replaced criminal penalties with fines, thus weakening the enforcement of environmental laws. The justices were adamant that the Act, in its current form, was rendered ineffective, lacking the necessary teeth to deter violators. The Supreme Court's rebuke highlights the systemic issues in India's environmental governance, where laws are often diluted, leaving violators to continue harmful practices without significant consequences.
The Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, acknowledged the court's concerns and assured that the rules under Section 15 of the Environmental Protection Act would be finalized within 10 days. This section, which now allows for financial penalties instead of criminal prosecution, had been a point of contention. The court's expectation is that the finalized rules will restore the Act's effectiveness, ensuring that violators of environmental laws face swift and meaningful penalties. Bhati also mentioned that the government had issued show-cause notices to key officials in Punjab and Haryana, signaling a step toward greater accountability in combating stubble burning.
Despite these assurances, the court remained skeptical about the political will behind these efforts. The justices were particularly scathing in their remarks toward Punjab and Haryana, accusing both state governments of treating the issue of pollution with political apathy. The judges noted that the necessary measures to prevent stubble burning, which significantly contributes to Delhi's pollution, should have been in place well before the crisis reached its current level. The court questioned the commitment of the authorities to genuinely safeguarding the environment, suggesting that political factors were playing a larger role in the lack of enforcement.
The court's attention was also drawn to the issue of stubble burning, which has long been a thorn in the side of efforts to combat air pollution in Delhi. Despite bans on the practice, many farmers in Punjab and Haryana continue to burn crop residue after the harvest, citing the high cost of alternative methods. The practice leads to a sharp spike in particulate matter and other harmful pollutants carried by the wind into Delhi, exacerbating the city's already poor air quality. The Supreme Court took a hard line against Punjab in particular, accusing the state's chief secretary of making false statements about the availability of funds for farmers to access alternative farming tools such as tractors. The court went so far as to threaten contempt proceedings if it was found that the state had misled the court.
The air pollution crisis in Delhi is not just an environmental issue but a public health emergency. With pollution levels reaching the "severe" zone, residents are exposed to high levels of particulate matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10), which can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and other long-term health issues. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions, are particularly at risk. Schools in Delhi have previously had to shut down due to dangerous levels of pollution, and there are growing concerns that such measures may be needed again if air quality continues to deteriorate.
Given the gravity of the situation, the Supreme Court's intervention is seen as a necessary step to push for immediate and effective action. The promise of finalizing the rules for penalizing environmental violators within 10 days comes as a crucial development, but the real test will be whether these measures lead to a tangible reduction in pollution levels. For now, Delhi continues to grapple with its annual smog, a toxic mix of vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, and smoke from crop burning, which threatens the health and well-being of its millions of residents. The next few weeks, as winter approaches, will be critical in determining whether the government's actions can finally put a stop to the worsening pollution in the region.
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