New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the panchayat departments of Punjab, Haryana and NCR to file a reply regarding the steps taken for the prevention of stubble burning and other causes of pollution in Delhi and adjoining areas.
The constitutional bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra issued a notice to Punjab, Haryana and NCR seeking a reply on stubble burning in hot spots and the level of air pollution, reported by IIT Delhi earlier. It observed that hotspots have reduced in size but pollution has not yet been reduced.
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The Centre informed the top court that the site survey was conducted, besides, soil samples were also being collected, some other technical surveys were in process.
It also said that if steps would not be taken then the issue of 'parali' will remain 'forever'.
Chief Secretary of Delhi informed the court that action plans for all pollution hotspots have been created, steps have been taken to reduce traffic congestion, open waste etc. AQI is at 100 but the government will continue to take action in coming days.
Meanwhile, the apex court wanted the involvement of the Centre in the formulation of rules to prevent and confiscate vehicles running on kerosene as things would never be improved until they ply on roads. For this matter, the court asked EPCA and Delhi government to file an immediate reply.
While the top court seeking response regarding the installation of Smog towers, the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed that IIT Bombay and Tata have tied up with the University of Minnesota to release a schedule regarding the technology of Smog towers by August 20.
An advocate contended before the Court that it should recall its orders on the installation of smog towers as it would benefit the Chinese companies but the court denied remarking that he should not be so "touchy".
As the Centre's affidavit was not available on Monday, the court will hear the smog tower issue at length on Tuesday.
SC had earlier pulled up The central government for not complying with the orders directing the installation of smog towers in Delhi within 3 months and had warned IIT Bombay of contempt as it had opted out of the government project.
