The air quality index in Delhi on Friday morning was 427 or ‘dangerous’ (File)
New Delhi:
An alleged Supreme Court on Friday clarified that it had never formally directed the Delhi government to indefinitely close schools in the national capital across the country. air quality crisis.
The court – which is hearing a protracted controversy over controlling, if not eliminating, the toxic air clouds that blanket the nation’s capital each winter – said it only asked why schools were open (and children exposed to toxic air) while adults are given the option to work from home.
Chief Justice NV Ramana, who heads the three-judge bench in the matter, was upset by several reports of yesterday’s hearing that said the court had pressed for the closure of schools.
“…we don’t know if it was intentional. Some parts of the media…and some people try to see us as villains… (and say) them I want to close schools. That is Delhi government’s proposal to close everything – WFH etc. Have you seen today’s report?” asked the judge.
Abhishek Singhvi (representing the Delhi government) replied: “Where do you have to blame it. I am also a victim.”
“Some projects as if we don’t care about the welfare of the students …”, the Chief Justice commented.
The chief justice, who has previously spoken out for press freedom, pointed out that while the media has “the right and freedom to condemn (but) we cannot do that…”
“Free press, we can’t say anything. They can say anything, point out anything,” he said.
During yesterday’s hearing, the court questioned the Delhi government’s decision to reopen schools despite air pollution levels of ‘severe’ or ‘dangerous’ categories.
“…the three- and four-year-olds are going to school but the adults are working from home…” the court pointed out, with Mr Singhvi saying the government was concerned about the “out of school” for for students. “We have reopened with the condition that the online option is included,” he said.
Unconvinced, the court ordered a senior lawyer “Get guidance on what the Delhi government is doing for schools and offices“and set the deadline to 24 hours.
Hours later, Delhi government closes schools in the national capital until further notice.
Delhi Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, said: “We have reopened schools with the forecast that the air quality will improve. However, the level of air pollution has increased again and we have decided to close schools from Friday until further order,” said Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai.
Air quality in Delhi deteriorated to dangerous levels last month after Diwali. Farm fires are also cited as a reason – but that has led to debates and blame games. A month on, the city is still gasping for air.
At the hearing this morning, the court said Police teams have been established to ensure compliance with air pollution laws. The court said these teams would have the power to take punitive and deterrent actions against defaulters, and the number of such teams would be increased to 40 in 24 hours.
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