AMN / NEW DELHI
Taking tough stand on pollution in national capital and its nearby states, the Supreme Court has banned stubble burning in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh in view of severe air pollution.
It also banned all construction and demolition activities along with burning of garbage and waste in Delhi-NCR in the region. The apex court took to task State governments on toxic air pollution. It directed the Centre, States concerned to prepare roadmap in three weeks to prevent the prevailing situation in future.
The apex court observed that people could not be left to die due to toxic air pollution and said those carrying out construction and demolition activities would be fined one lakh rupees. It added that a penalty of 5,000 rupees would be imposed if anyone was found burning garbage and waste in the region. A bench comprising justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta said in case of any violation, the local administration and zonal officers would be held responsible. The bench said the prevailing situation in the area was a blatant and grave violation of the right to life of an individual. The bench further said scientific data suggested that the life span of those living in the region had reduced due to pollution.
The top court said the authorities could not indulge in passing the buck and should collectively try to tackle the situation. It asked the Delhi government and the civic bodies to chalk out a plan to ensure removal of the waste dumped at open spaces and come up with a scheme to deal with the issue.
Regarding pollution due to dust accumulated on the roads, the bench said water be sprinkled on the stretches which were prone to dust.