"Revert to Original Customs": CJI Surya Kant on Delhi Air Pollution
The Supreme Court says restrictions aren't enough to fight air pollution in Delhi and urges a return to original festive customs.
As the national capital continues to choke under a blanket of smog, the Supreme Court has sent a powerful message: laws and restrictions alone cannot clear the skies. During a suo motu hearing on air pollution in Delhi-NCR, a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant questioned the modern way of celebrating festivals and called for a return to traditional, environmentally conscious practices.
Beyond Restrictions: A Call for Behavioral Change
The Court expressed skepticism over the effectiveness of simply piling on more regulations. The bench observed that imposing additional restrictions and passing more judicial orders might not be the solution, warning that "the more orders we pass, the more violations will multiply."
Instead of legal mandates, the CJI emphasized the necessity of public awareness and a fundamental shift in human behavior. He urged citizens to celebrate festivals, particularly Diwali, with a deep sense of responsibility toward the environment. In a poignant reflection on tradition, the CJI asked, “Why don’t we revert to our original customs?”
Supporting this view, Justice Joymalya Bagchi pointed out that the current pollution crisis is inextricably linked to the increasing commercialization of festivals, which often prioritizes spectacle over sustainability.
Defending the Vulnerable
During the proceedings, the CJI was firm in his stance that the blame for the pollution crisis should not be shifted toward the economically weaker sections of society. He highlighted that for many, the festive season is a critical window for livelihood through seasonal work.
"Poor people do not generate any pollution. They are the sufferers. It is those who can afford it and those who can contribute to it," the CJI remarked.
Delhi’s Gasping Air: The Current State
The legal discussions come at a time when the city's air quality has plummeted to hazardous levels. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the city-wide Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 389 on Friday, placing it in the 'Very Poor' category. However, several hotspots were far worse, crossing into the 'Severe' zone:
- IIT Delhi and Rohini: 474 AQI
- Punjabi Bagh: 465 AQI
- RK Puram: 443 AQI
- ITO: 422 AQI
- Firoz Shah Road: 420 AQI
- India Gate: 403 AQI
Other areas like Chandni Chowk (391), Aya Nagar (393), and IGI Airport Terminal 3 (385) also recorded alarming levels. In response, municipal authorities have deployed truck-mounted water sprinklers under the Stage-II Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-II) to mitigate the dust and pollutants.
Political Backlash
The environmental crisis has also sparked political fire. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lashed out at the government, describing the 'severe' air quality as a "national disgrace." Tharoor claimed that the lack of political will to solve the recurring problem is "really shocking," noting that he had personally hosted roundtables on the issue for a decade before losing hope in the government's implementation strategy.