SC asks Delhi Govt. to impose 'Lockdown' due to rise in the pollution

Delhi CM Kejriwal has announced a meeting with the SC bench concerning the measures taken to tackle pollution

New Delhi: The capital is still covered with a dense layer of pollution in the sky. Air quality index (AQI) is not going back to normal from the severe category. Due to this reason, the Supreme Court (SC) has asked the Kejriwal Govt. to impose a lockdown for a few days in the city to overcome the pollution rates.  A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) N V Ramana said the deteriorating air quality had forced people to wear masks even at home.

According to the CJI Mr Ramana said, “You see how bad the situation is….even in our houses, we are wearing masks.”

Delhi’s air quality was ‘severe’ on Saturday morning, recording 499 on the AQI, as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).

Today morning, Delhi has recorded its minimum temperature of 12.6 degrees Celsius. It has caused poor visions in the city due to the rise in pollution resulting in dense smog.

The rise in pollution has also caused many health-related problems within the capital. Post-Diwali people suffered itchy throats, watery eyes and breathing problems. According to the MD of LNJP Hospital Dr Suresh Kumar said that "After Diwali, around 10-15% more patients were admitted for asthma and breathing problems."

This afternoon, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced a meeting with the SC bench and the state ministers concerning the measures taken to tackle this situation. The meeting will be held at 5 PM IST. 

According to PTI, the Supreme Court termed the rise in air pollution in Delhi-NCR as an "emergency situation", stressing that crucial measures need to be taken. The apex court also took note of the opening of schools in Delhi and asked authorities to take immediate measures like putting vehicles off-road and clamping lockdown in Delhi. It asked the Centre and the Delhi government to take immediate steps to curb pollution and report back on Monday.