In this context, the Delhi government is said to be exploring and examining the possibility of having a green budget that could contribute towards striking a balance between economic growth and protection of the environment in the capital.
The Sub-Committee had invoked Stage III of GRAP on January 16, following a deterioration in Delhi’s average AQI. Subsequently, Delhi’s air quality showed a downward trend.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi made it clear that the Court would not entertain any objections to the recommendations of the CAQM and that the focus must now be on their effective implementation.
It is said that Citizens' complaints have also come forward stating that even when Metro work is completed, roads, footpaths and other infrastructure have not been repaired, resulting in pollution and causing traffic obstructions.
CM Gupta has said that any negligence in pollution control in the national capital will not be tolerated, adding that her government is treating pollution as an emergency mission and is making determined efforts to bring it under control.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh Tuesday criticised the government's reliance on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle Delhi's pollution crisis, saying it's a reactive approach focusing on crisis management rather than avoidance.
During the meeting, Sirsa directed on-ground teams to ensure pothole repairs, paving of roads, water sprinkling to mitigate dust, proper disposal of industrial waste, prevention of open burning of waste and biomass.
Meteorological factors, particularly the strengthening north-westerly winds, played a key role in dispersing pollutants and improving Delhi’s air, weather experts said.
The manifesto also included measures such as installation of air purifiers at key intersections, incentivising a shift of 50 per cent of vehicles to electric or CNG, and developing green belts to improve tree cover.
The CM reviewed the pollution control measures being implemented in the city on Monday and emphasised that, given the current conditions, additional steps were now essential.
