The Supreme Court, on Saturday, questioned the Delhi government on whether emergency measures like a lockdown for a few days were required within the national capital to handle the rising air pollution. A bench driven by Chief Justice of India N V Ramana said the deteriorating air quality had compelled individuals to wear masks even at home.

Chief Justice of India, N. V. Ramana
“You see how terrible the circumstance is….even in our houses, we are wearing masks,” the CJI said, agreeing to Bar and Bench. Delhi’s air quality was ‘severe’ on Saturday morning, recording 499 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), agreeing to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR).
Posting the matter for November 15 (Monday), the apex court looked for the Delhi government’s reaction to steps taken to control the pollution. Authorities have prompted that government and private workplaces, and other establishments diminish vehicle usage by at least 30 percent, and outdoor activities are constrained.
The admonitory came after the AQI hit 471 on Friday, the upper end of the ‘severe’ category. Typically more awful than what was seen on November 5, the day after Diwali, when an AQI of 462 was recorded.

The day after Diwali, when an AQI of 462 was recorded.
Arvind Kejriwal calls emergency meeting to tackle air pollution in Delhi
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday called an emergency meeting to tackle severe air pollution in the city, with Supreme Court asking authorities to take immediate measures. The meeting, to be held at 5 pm, will be attended by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Health Minister Satyendar Jain, Environment Minister Gopal Rai, and Delhi Chief Secretary Rajiv Gauba, officials said.
Meanwhile, 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. (PTI)