New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday stated that the high levels of air pollution in Delhi are a very serious matter and directed lawyers to appear virtually, as simply wearing masks is not enough given the deteriorating air quality in the capital.
A bench headed by Justice P.S. Narasimha, while hearing a case, described the air pollution situation as very serious. The bench asked why senior lawyers appeared in person despite the availability of video conferencing.
Justice P.S. Narasimha said, “Why are you all present here? We have the facility of virtual hearings. Please take advantage of it.” He added that pollution has the potential to cause permanent damage.
Justice Narasimha further said, “Even masks are not enough. This will not be enough. We will also discuss this with the Chief Justice…” According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) morning bulletin, the city’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 404, indicating dangerously high pollution levels.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court directed the Punjab and Haryana governments to file a status report on the steps taken to stop stubble burning by farmers. Stubble burning is a major cause of the air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR.
On Monday, most parts of the capital recorded AQI levels between 300 and 400, indicating very poor to severe air quality. The situation in neighboring areas was no better, with Faridabad recording 312, Ghaziabad 318, Greater Noida 325, Gurugram 328, and Noida 310, all in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category.
Experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such polluted air can worsen respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, and long-term lung and heart problems. Many residents complained of difficulty breathing and irritation in the eyes and throat as the city remained shrouded in smog throughout the day.
