• The Supreme Court has expressed concern that despite reduction in stubble burning, pollution levels in Delhi have become worse.
• The Delhi government told the top court that its odd-even scheme has helped in reducing pollution and the "real culprit" behind the regions pollution is stubble burning.
• The Centre also told the bench that it is examining the feasibility of putting up smog towers to reduce pollution in Delhi.
• The Supreme Court on Friday asked Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to conduct random checks on three-wheelers running on polluting fuels and to file a report about it. The apex court also asked the Delhi Development Authority, Public Works Department and other civic bodies to co-operate with the monitoring committee to ensure implementation of court orders
• The Supreme Court stated that the Odd-Even scheme may not be a permanent solution, especially when the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) stated that cars constitute three percent of pollution levels. Garbage dumping, construction wastes and road dusts are also major contributors to the pollution levels.
• The Supreme Court again sought the presence of chief secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi on 29 November after it observed that these states failed to take effective steps to deal with air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.
• As the Supreme Court was reviewing the anti-pollution measure Odd-Even scheme, which restricted the movement of 1.2 million private vehicles a day from taking to the roads, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on Friday told the apex court that cars contribute only three percent to pollution levels. All vehicles combined contribute to 28 percent of air pollution.
• As the Air Quality Index in Delhi plunged to almost 600 on Friday, the Supreme Court reprimanded the AAP-led government for the rising pollution levels in the city, which remained engulfed in thick smog. The apex court also observed that Arvind Kejriwal implemented Odd-Even scheme might not the solution to check air pollution.
• "Delhi is suffering badly, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is almost 600 even today. How do people breathe?" Supreme Court asks state government.
• On being asked by the Supreme Court if there has been any improvement in Delhis air quality after installation of Odd-Even scheme, the Delhi government responded saying that there has been a reduction in pollution levels by 5-15 percent. However, the results would be better if the anti-pollution measure could be implemented without allowing any exemptions. Putting the onus on neighbouring states for the noxious smog that pushed Delhi towards an emergency zone, the state government said, “The real culprit of Delhi pollution is stubble burning. Last year no study was done on impact of Odd-Even scheme.”

What more can be done

• General public should wear masks. Air pollution masks should be price capped and included in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). All Jan Aushadhi Kendras and Mohalla Clinics should have supply of air pollution masks.
• They should be made available free to school children and patients in the affected areas.
• The government should also bring air filters / purifiers under Drugs and Cosmetics Act and include them in NLEM and make them price capped.
• Air pollution levels should be included in the weather forecast for sports.
• Stop all vehicles for 72 hours and observe the difference then.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA