The Delhi administration was chastised by the Supreme Court on Thursday for opening schools amid growing air pollution levels in the city. SC questioned why children are obliged to attend school when the government implemented work from home for adults. The court was particularly concerned that the Delhi administration was taking no action on the ground to mitigate ‘severe’ pollution levels.
Some Delhi residents have complained of respiratory difficulties, claiming that the air quality has not improved. “The only thing that is being squandered is time “During the hearing, Chief Justice NV Ramana observed, “This is the fourth week in a row that the court has heard arguments about the air issue in the national capital and adjacent areas.” The court issued a strong warning and gave the centre and Delhi 24 hours to take action against industrial and vehicular pollution, which the federal government identified as the key reasons.
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Following Diwali, Delhi’s air quality deteriorated dramatically. Farm fires were also mentioned as a possible cause; however, this sparked discussion and blame games. The city is still panting for breath a month later. The Supreme Court chastised the Arvind Kejriwal administration for reopening schools, saying that “three-year-olds and four-year-olds are attending to schools, while grownups are working from home.”
The Delhi government‘s attorney, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, responded: “There is a lot of discussion about ‘learning loss’ in schools. We reopened on the same terms as before, with the addition of an online alternative.” “You’re implying that you made it voluntary. We have children and grandkids as well. We are aware of the difficulties they have faced since the outbreak. If you do not take action now, we will take severe measures against you tomorrow. We’ve set aside 24 hours for you “In a stern answer, the Chief Justice stated. On Monday, Delhi schools resumed following a ten-day hiatus due to the air crisis. Mr Singhvi was ordered by the Supreme Court to “obtain directions on what the Delhi government is doing with schools and workplaces.”
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During the session, tough questions were raised about actions against industrial sites and vehicle entrance checks in Delhi. The body on air pollution, known as the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjacent Areas, or CAQM, has “no capacity of enforcement, and no power of genuine prosecution,” according to Justice DY Chandrachud.
