Supreme Court Criticizes Delhi Government as Air Quality Crisis Deepens; CM Atishi Blames Central Government for Inaction on Stubble Burning
As Delhi grapples with its worst air quality crisis in years, the Supreme Court on Monday reprimanded the Delhi government for its delayed implementation of Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), signaling a stern response to the deteriorating air quality. The court’s intervention has heightened the urgency for immediate action, while Chief Minister Atishi of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) shifted the blame to the BJP-led central government, accusing it of neglecting the key factor contributing to Delhi’s pollution: stubble burning.
CM Atishi’s Criticism of the Central Government’s Inaction on Stubble Burning
Chief Minister Atishi, who described the hazardous air quality across North India as a “medical emergency,” pointed to stubble burning as a primary cause behind the capital’s pollution levels. Addressing the media on Monday, Atishi criticized the central government for its failure to take decisive action on this pressing environmental issue. “The central government has been more focused on politics than addressing the real environmental crisis,” she said, accusing it of not implementing any substantial measures to reduce stubble burning across neighboring states, especially Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Atishi also questioned the central government’s lack of accountability in addressing the rising cases of stubble burning, which have worsened over the past 6-7 years. She emphasized that the Delhi government, under her leadership and through the efforts of the AAP-led Punjab government, had succeeded in reducing stubble burning by 80%. “Why has North India been plunged into a state of medical emergency when steps could have been taken to address this problem?” she asked, pointing to the actions taken by her party’s government in Punjab and urging other states to follow suit.
Contributing Factors to Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis
The rapid decline in Delhi’s air quality since late October has been attributed to a variety of factors, including firecracker use during Diwali celebrations, vehicular emissions, and the growing incidence of stubble burning. The latter has been a significant concern, particularly as farmers in neighboring states burn crop residue to clear their fields. This practice releases large amounts of particulate matter into the atmosphere, exacerbating the pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR), including areas like Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad.
Atishi called on the central government to take swift action to curb stubble burning, accusing it of failing to engage in meaningful dialogue with the affected states. She urged the government to provide more support to farmers to adopt alternative, eco-friendly methods for crop residue management.
Delhi’s AQI Reaches Hazardous Levels
On Monday morning, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 484, a level categorized as “severe-plus.” This triggered the implementation of Stage 4 of the GRAP, including the activation of measures such as restricting truck entry and suspending construction activities. The Delhi government also initiated steps to shift educational activities online, particularly for classes 10 and 12, while the possibility of enforcing the odd-even vehicle scheme loomed.
The air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas like Ghaziabad, Noida, and Gurugram was further compounded by a dense smog blanket, causing near-zero visibility in some regions. The situation has reached alarming proportions, with medical experts warning of serious health implications for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Supreme Court Calls for Urgent Action
The Supreme Court, during its hearing, expressed grave concern about the government’s failure to implement necessary measures in a timely manner. Justices A S Oka and A G Masih stressed the need for prompt enforcement of GRAP measures and questioned why such actions had not been taken earlier when pollution levels first began to spike. The court’s order highlighted the urgent need for the Delhi government to not only adhere to the action plan but also ensure that necessary steps are continuously enforced.
The bench also acknowledged the difficulty in tackling pollution due to cross-border challenges, such as stubble burning, but emphasized that immediate measures must be taken to safeguard public health and curb further environmental damage. “The situation is critical, and delaying action is not an option,” Justice Oka remarked, urging the authorities to show more resolve in their response to the crisis.
Looking Ahead: Collaborative Efforts for Long-Term Solutions
While Stage IV restrictions are now in effect, the long-term solution to Delhi’s air quality issues requires a coordinated effort between the central and state governments. Environmentalists and public health experts argue that focusing on reducing stubble burning and curbing industrial emissions is essential to achieving sustainable air quality improvement in the region.
As the city continues to battle hazardous air pollution, the need for collective action becomes increasingly urgent. Government agencies, policymakers, and citizens must work together to mitigate the immediate crisis and lay the groundwork for more sustainable environmental practices in the future. In the coming days, the government will face heightened pressure to take more effective steps, both in terms of immediate measures and long-term solutions, to protect the health of Delhi’s residents and ensure a cleaner, safer environment for future generations.
