The Supreme Court of India delivered a sharp rebuke to authorities on Tuesday, stating that measures to combat the severe air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have proven to be a "total failure." The apex court's oral observation came as the region continues to choke under a thick blanket of toxic smog, with air quality indices remaining in the 'severe' to 'hazardous' categories for prolonged periods.
Supreme Court Demands Action on Pollution Crisis
The bench, hearing matters related to the environmental emergency, expressed deep frustration with the ad-hoc and ineffective steps taken so far. The judges emphasized the urgent need for practical, long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. In a significant directive, the court ordered the immediate suspension of operations at nine Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) toll plazas to help reduce traffic congestion and the resultant vehicular emissions.
Showing concern for the economic impact of pollution control measures, the court suggested that the government must explore ways to compensate construction workers who lose their livelihood due to the enforcement of bans on construction activities during high-pollution periods. The bench also made a pointed observation about the role of lifestyle choices, noting that the affluent sections of society contribute significantly to the pollution through the use of multiple vehicles and high consumption patterns.
Upholding the temporary closure of schools for the safety of children, the court underscored that the health of young citizens must be a paramount concern. The overall message from the judiciary was clear: the government must move beyond rhetoric and implement effective and sustainable pollution control strategies with immediate effect.
Political Storm Over Alleged Vaping in Parliament
In a separate development that triggered a political controversy, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shared a video allegedly showing Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Kirti Azad vaping inside the Lok Sabha during the ongoing parliamentary session. BJP's IT cell chief, Amit Malviya, publicly shared the clip and called for an explanation from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, labeling the conduct as unacceptable and a breach of parliamentary decorum.
This incident follows an earlier complaint by BJP MP Anurag Thakur to the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding the use of e-cigarettes within the House premises. In response to the latest allegations, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has stated that it will examine the available recordings and take appropriate action as per rules. The episode has ignited a fresh war of words between the ruling BJP and the opposition TMC.
Diplomatic Tensions: India Summons Bangladesh Envoy
On the diplomatic front, India conveyed its "strong concerns" to Bangladesh over a deteriorating security situation across the border. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, to register a formal protest.
India specifically highlighted threats directed at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and expressed worries about the activities of certain extremist elements who were allegedly planning actions around the diplomatic mission. The MEA urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Indian personnel and premises. India also rejected what it termed false narratives concerning recent events and called upon the interim government in Bangladesh to investigate the matters thoroughly and share credible evidence, stressing the importance of peace and stability in the region.
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