Delhi Pollution: Supreme Court Asks CPCB to Make Social Media Page For Citizens to Register Complaint; Orders Action Against Old Vehicles
The air quality index in Delhi-NCR deteriorated since a fortnight ago, as farmers of neighbouring Haryana and Punjab resorted to stubble-burning to clear their lands for Rabi crops cultivation.
New Delhi, October 29: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to make a social media page where citizens of the national capital can register their complaints related to the deteriorating air quality.
The bench also asked the transport department to upload on its website a list of vehicles which have exceeded their permissible age limit. Notably, diesel-run cars are allowed to ply for only 10 years from their date of registration, whereas, their petrol counterparts are permitted for 15 years. Cars which have crossed the age-limit need to be impounded as they contribute to the air pollution. Sale of Safe and Green Firecrackers Allowed, No Complete Ban Across India, Rules Supreme Court Ahead of Diwali 2018.
The air quality index in Delhi-NCR has been worsening since the last fortnight, as farmers of neighbouring Haryana and Punjab are resorting to stubble-burning to clear their lands for Rabi crops cultivation.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has blamed the Centre, as well as the state governments of Haryana and Punjab for not intervening in the crisis.
"The pollution was in control in Delhi throughout the year, but this time (winters) every year, Delhi has to face severe pollution condition due to the Centre, BJP-led Haryana and Congress-led Punjab governments," he said.
Cautious of not being targeted as anti-farmer in Haryana and Punjab -- where the AAP is eyeing electoral prospects -- Kejriwal said the farmers of the two states have not been provided subsided by the respective governments to use alternative ways for clearing their lands.
"Despite our all-out efforts, they are not ready to do anything. Farmers of these two states are also fed up with their governments," the Delhi CM added.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 29, 2018 06:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).