[Delhi Air Pollution] Odd-even system, ban on entry of trucks; lockdown severest measure: Centre suggests to Supreme Court

The Central government informed the Supreme Court on Monday that a lockdown would be the most drastic measure taken to curb air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR)..The other measures that could be taken, the Centre told the Court, would be an odd-even scheme for vehicular movement and a ban on the entry of trucks into the capital..A special Bench comprising Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant was hearing a plea by 17-year-old Delhi student Aditya Dubey concerning rising levels of air pollution in the Capital..The Central government’s suggestions came in response to the Bench’s assertion that the situation was emergent and measures were required to be immediately taken to reduce levels of pollution..During the hearing, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta submitted that stubble burning was not the major cause of pollution and was only contributing to 10%. He further submitted that road dust naturally contributed to pollution.“Dust control measures be taken at the construction site. We have suggested that diesel generating sets be stopped unless needed like in hospitals. Advise people with respiratory issues to avoid venturing out. Fines for ones indulging in garbage burning.”.To this, Justice Kant asked, “Are you agreeing in principle that stubble burning is not the major cause and has no scientific basis? Why not apply ban on entry of all vehicles to and from Delhi?”On Senior Advocate Vikas Singh’s submission that the Centre’s affidavit shows an increase in stubble and paddy burning in Punjab and Haryana, the CJI asked, “You want farmers to be blamed or what?”.The Supreme Court then asked the executive committee to create and decide how an action plan can be implemented by Tuesday evening.“Please decide which industries can be stopped, which vehicles can be prevented from plying and which power plants can be stopped and how you can provide alternative power by then,” CJI Ramana said..Advocate Rahul Mehra, appearing for the Delhi government reiterated that a lockdown may be imposed but due to lack of air boundaries, the entire NCR would need to be locked down as a whole.However, CJI Ramana refused to advise on measures to be taken and directed that after a decision is taken, the same be reported to the Court.“The commission under the Act has not indicated what steps will be taken to control the pollution-causing elements. We direct Centre to have an emergency meeting tomorrow and take into account points cited by us. We direct the Centre and States of NCR region to impose work from home for the meantime.”.The matter will be taken up further on Wednesday..[Read Order]