'Will cause permanent damage, masks not enough': SC sounds alarm over Delhi pollution

Delhi is currently battling severe air pollution

As Delhi continues to reel under hazardous air quality, the Supreme Court on Thursday expressed grave concern over the worsening pollution levels, calling the situation “very serious” and warning that even wearing masks offers little protection.

A bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice AS Chandurkar, while hearing a case, questioned why lawyers were choosing to appear in person instead of opting for virtual hearings amid such conditions.

“Why are you all appearing here? We have the virtual hearing facility. Please avail it. This pollution... this will cause permanent damage,” Justice Narasimha said during the proceedings.

Responding to the remarks of Justice Narsimha, Senior Advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, who was present in court, said, “We are using the mask.”

“Even masks are not enough. It will not suffice. We will discuss with the Chief Justice as well,” Justice Narasimha added, while pointing to the health risks posed by the toxic air.

On Thursday morning, several parts of the national capital recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 400, thus placing Delhi in the ‘severe’ category. Under these conditions, authorities have already enforced restrictions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The GRAP-III measures that have come into effect in the national capital, include a ban on most non-essential construction and demolition activities, curbs on the use of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers as well as mandatory online classes for students up to Class 5.

The apex court has also directed the Punjab and Haryana governments to submit status reports on the steps being taken to curb stubble burning, which is a major seasonal contributor to Delhi’s smog. The court-appointed amicus curiae, senior advocate Aparajita Singh, had earlier pointed out inconsistencies in official AQI figures.

The matter is scheduled to be taken up again on Monday.