The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre, Delhi government and the civic agencies concerned to come up with an action plan to fight rising pollution levels in the national capital.
The central government has to inform by Wednesday if there is a policy to check pollution, the top court said.
It was hearing a plea filed by the Environment Pollution Control Authority, which has sought a proper monitoring of pollution levels. The matter will now be heard on November 10.
Delhi has been reeling due to a thick cover of smog and haze since Diwali. The toxic air and the city’s worst smog in nearly 17 years have sparked concerns of health hazards among citizens.
Faced with criticism, the city government has announced a list of measures, including the closing down of schools. The Centre too has taken stock, with Union environment minister Madhav Dave holding a meeting on the issue.
The high pollution has been blamed on a combination of factors: high vehicle population, unchecked construction, road dust and garbage burning, among others. This was made worse by the stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana and Diwali crackers.
