“Farm fires must stop. The decline must go on during the Diwali holidays.” the court said. The matter has been posted for November 21. 

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During a hearing regarding the severe air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, a bench led by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul expressed concern over the lack of tangible progress despite numerous reports and committees addressing the pollution issue.

The bench, which also includes Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, emphasized the court’s eagerness to witness effective results.

Assurances were provided to the Supreme Court that every possible effort is being exerted to bring farm fires, a significant contributor to the problem, under control.

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This directive comes as part of the court’s consideration of a plea filed in 1985 by environmentalist M C Mehta, highlighting concerns about air pollution. The matter of crop residue burning surfaced during the ongoing proceedings related to the plea.

The Cabinet Secretary will continue to monitor progress on the matter.

Further, the Supreme Court also said it had not asked the Delhi government to have odd even on taxis and said: “What you have to do, you do. If odd-even has minimal effect, you do. You have to take a call or else you will say pollution is due to SC order.”

The Court said DPCC has complied with the order on making the smog tower at CP operational and dispensed with the personal presence of the DPCC Chairman.

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Updated: 10 Nov 2023, 02:13 PM IST