Our children deserve a clean environment, DelHC asks states to prepare anti-pollution PoA

The Division Bench of Badar Durrez Ahmed and Ashutosh Kumar today heard a suo moto petition on the issue of air pollution in Delhi. The bench issued directions to the governments of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh along with multiple governmental agencies to take appropriate action against the increasing pollution..Amicus curiae Kailash Vasudev told the bench that around 17 million tonnes of paddy stock was being produced by Punjab every year out of which almost 14 million tonnes were burnt. Justice Ahmed told the counsel for the Punjab government, Parag Tripathi to file a “better” affidavit since the present affidavit indicates that the government is still in denial mode..He stated,.“The affidavit should contain the plan of action to be adopted by the government to eliminate stubble burning. Although the stubble burning is virtually over as far as the current year is concerned, the problem would arise again next year in October-November. We are informed that the state of Punjab alone produces 17 million tones of paddy every year and only a small percentage of this is utilized by paper or cardboard companies or for the use of energy or fertilizers. A major bulk of the paddy stock is burnt and this is one of the major causes for the rise in pollution not only in Punjab but also Delhi.”.The bench also directed the Central Pollution Control Board to analyze and file a report on the data regarding how much metric tonnes that is burnt ends up as particulate matter 2.5 and 10..An appalled Justice Ahmed questioned all the lawyers appearing in the matter,.“Why aren’t you doing anything about this pollution? Think of your children! We grew up in a clean environment. They deserve the same.”.Advocate Rahul Mehra, standing counsel for the Government of NCT Delhi told the bench,.“The time has come to set up a body of officials to sit and decide on this issue. Since the National Capital Region Planning Board is not doing anything, we all need to take some steps. .We need some kind of a committee that should be monitored by this Court. Only then can we do something about it. My lords are right, it is our duty.”.In this regard, the bench directed affidavits to be filed by all the state governments within three weeks indicating the timeline on eliminating stubble burning, and further stated that the entire process could be court monitored..Another major concern pointed out by the amicus was that of the vehicular pollution in Delhi. The bench acknowledged that all taxis were supposed to converted to CNG but around 40,000 taxis in Delhi still run on diesel. Further, over 35,000 taxis are running in Delhi with an All India Permit which needs to be streamlined by the neighbouring states to ensure that CNG is adopted..Various governmental agencies – the MCD, DDA, PWD and NDMC were directed to take care of the burning of garbage in the landfill sites. This direction was issued after the amicus showed pictures and videos from his visit to landfill sites. The agencies have also been directed to ensure that construction sites in Delhi are cleaned up of all the debris to reduce the pollution caused due to construction and road dust..Lastly, the bench also directed the National Capital Region Planning Board to hold a meeting within the next week to form a plan of action to tackle this serious issue..The matter will be heard further on November 25.