New Delhi: Delhi’s toxic air crisis deepened on Thursday as the Supreme Court issued a warning over the capital’s rapidly deteriorating air quality. It has remained in the “severe” category for the third straight day. Justice PS Narasimha alongside Justice Atul S Chandurkar, asked lawyers to refrain from physical appearances in court and instead opt for virtual hearings, citing the grave health risks posed by the hazardous air.
“The situation is very, very serious! Why are you all appearing here? We have the virtual hearing facility. Please avail it. This pollution will cause permanent damage,” Justice Narasimha remarked.
Delhi’s AQI remains in ‘severe’ category
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 425 at 9 am, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), well beyond the “severe” threshold of 400. The city first slipped in the worst category on Tuesday with an AQI of 428, followed by 418 on Wednesday. Dense smog blanketed most parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).
When senior advocate Kapil Sibal pointed out that many lawyers had begun wearing masks in court, Justice Narasimha said that masks alone offer insufficient protection. “Even masks are not enough. They will not suffice. We will discuss this with the Honourable Chief Justice as well,” he said.
GRAP curbs imposed
The CAQM has enforced Stage III of the GRAP across Delhi-NCR. The emergency measures also include a complete ban on non-essential construction activities, restrictions on diesel vehicles that led to the intensification of road dust suppression.
Meanwhile, a separate Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai continued monitoring the broader pollution crisis. On Wednesday, the CJI-led bench pulled up the Punjab and Haryana governments for failing to rein in stubble burning. Both states have been asked to submit detailed reports on steps taken to curb farm fires.