Delhi’s air quality has been a growing concern for many years. In response to this issue, the Supreme Court of India has announced plans to appoint an independent agency dedicated to enhancing the city’s green cover. This decision comes as part of ongoing hearings related to a public interest litigation originally filed by lawyer and environmentalist MC Mehta over 40 years ago.
Independence and Focus on Green Cover
On Monday, the Supreme Court revealed its intention to focus on Delhi’s environmental challenges. The court discussed the possibility of requiring all government cars and vehicles used by state-owned enterprises in Delhi to be electric. This is seen as a step towards reducing air pollution and promoting a cleaner environment.
The primary concern raised by the Supreme Court is the lack of significant action taken by the Delhi government to improve the city’s green cover. Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed their dissatisfaction during the proceedings. Earlier this year, the court directed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to take concrete steps to address the issue. However, according to the court, little progress has been made since then.
Calls for Accountability and Action
During the hearings, the bench stated that meetings alone are not sufficient. Just holding discussions is not enough without taking action to improve the city’s greenery. The justices urged senior advocate Guru Krishnakumar, who is assisting in the hearings, to propose an independent agency that would focus entirely on boosting Delhi’s green areas. They are expected to revisit this issue on December 18.
A possible candidate for this role is the Forest Survey of India (FSI). The Delhi government, represented by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, announced that the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun is preparing a working plan for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation in Delhi. However, the court remains unimpressed. The bench highlighted that the only action taken by the government has been to hold meetings, which does not constitute real progress.
Assessing the Current Situation
The Supreme Court’s concerns are based on an affidavit filed by the Delhi government in October. In this affidavit, the government mentioned meetings again but failed to provide substantial solutions or results to improve the green cover. The court pointed out that this is not satisfactory and emphasized that if meetings remain the only exercise conducted, they will proceed to appoint an independent agency and issue directives.
Earlier, the court had directed the Delhi Forest Department and relevant agencies to meet with three appointed experts. The experts are Sunil Limaye, a former Indian Forest Service officer; Ishwer Singh, the principal chief conservator of forests; and environmentalist Pradeep Kishen. Their objective was to discuss recommendations for enhancing Delhi’s tree cover.
In addition, the court has called for a tree census. This will help better understand the current state of greenery in Delhi. This initiative follows a concerning petition raised by resident Bhavreen Kandhari. Kandhari pointed out that Delhi appears to be losing around five trees every hour. According to official records, about 60,000 trees have been felled in the past six years.
Addressing Air Pollution Challenges
The Supreme Court’s actions come as part of a broader effort to tackle severe air pollution in Delhi. The city is notorious for its poor air quality, especially during the winter months. Over the years, the court has taken strong measures against stubble burning, which contributes significantly to air pollution. The court has closely monitored the enforcement of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is designed to reduce pollution levels in the city.
The urgency of the issue has prompted questions about the effectiveness of the Delhi government’s initiatives. The situation remains dire as the city experiences extreme air pollution levels. Various factors contribute to this, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and agricultural waste burning.
Looking Ahead
As the situation continues to evolve, the Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing on December 18 is critical. This hearing will likely address the appointment of an agency focused on enhancing Delhi’s green cover. Furthermore, it will review the progress made by the Delhi government in addressing the city’s environmental challenges.
The court’s involvement signals a commitment to addressing these pressing issues. Citizens and environmentalists are hopeful that the Supreme Court’s actions will lead to measurable improvements in Delhi’s air quality and green spaces. The appointment of an independent agency could pave the way for more effective strategies and solutions in the fight against air pollution and environmental degradation.
In conclusion, Delhi faces significant challenges with air quality and green cover. The Supreme Court’s intervention creates an opportunity for change and accountability. This is a crucial moment for Delhi, and many are watching closely to see how these developments unfold in the coming months.
