Supreme Court accepts measures proposed by the Central govt, schools in Delhi-NCR to be shut for indefinite period
The Supreme court has accepted the measure proposed by the Central government on Friday. In a step to protect the children from toxic air quality, the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) on behalf of the centre has ordered the closure of schools and colleges in Delhi NCR until further orders are issued. A five-member enforcement task force has been constituted by CAQM to monitor the implementation of its directions to control air pollution and improve air quality. CAQM has also said to the Supreme Court that 17 flying squads have been formed to punish the defaulters.
According to the order by CAQM, industries that are not operating on PNG/cleaner fuels in the Delhi NCR region can now operate only for 8 hours from Monday to Friday. Though the operations will not be allowed on Saturday and Sunday, the order stated.
CAQM also regulated the operations of Thermal power plants around Delhi.
Operation of Thermal Power plants within 300 km radius of Delhi shall continue to be regulated,” the order issued by CAQM stated.
Expressing concerns on the opening of schools when the pollution level was high, CJI NV Ramana said to Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, “See you only said you wanted to close the schools and then you open when pollution is high and then when we say you to close schools, sections of media projects us as a villain like we are forcibly closing schools.”
The Supreme Court has allowed the construction of hospitals in Delhi NCR after an affidavit was submitted by the Delhi government.
On Friday, the Delhi government has urged the apex court to allow construction activities of hospitals in the national capital. According to the affidavit, the Delhi government is constructing hospitals to provide better health facilities to people and to prepare for the inevitable third wave. The affidavit also stated that, due to a ban in the construction activities, seven new hospital’s constructions have been stopped.
The Supreme Court has asked for a detailed status report on air pollution by December 10.
