[Delhi Air Pollution] Central Vista, Metro, railways, airports, ISBT - only Central projects carrying on construction: Centre to Supreme Court

The Central Government in an affidavit filed through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has informed the Supreme Court that the only construction activities that are still ongoing during the current air pollution situation in Delhi are the new Parliament, Central Vista, Metro Rail, ISBT, railways, and airports. 

The affidavit was filed in a public interest litigation seeking addressing of alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi.

The affidavit, which was filed yesterday in compliance of the Supreme Court's order dated November 29, states that the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas had in its directions dated November 16 excluded the abovementioned activities while banning construction.

According to the affidavit, apart from the above mentioned activities all other construction activities are being carried out by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). The affidavit further stated that the construction activities undertaken by CPWD were stopped pursuant to the direction issued by the Commission.

It has also been stated that so far as the construction of the parliament building and Central Vista are concerned they are compliant with the construction, demolition, and waste management rules and do not cause pollution.

Listing out steps by the Centre to counter air pollution, the affidavit states that anti-smog guns, mist spray system, dust suppressants like magnesium chloride, conveyor belts to transfer construction material, etc are being used to reduce production of dust.

The Court was also informed that the CPWD's construction activities have been stopped in compliance of the Commission's order dated November 16 and of the Court reimposing the ban dated November 24.

It is further stated that the Commission has passed another direction continuing the ban imposed on November 16, and the CPWD is duly complying with this direction.

A 17 year old college student Aditya Dubey had in 2020 filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi. The case was listed today in view of an application filed by the petitioners asking the Court to pass appropriate orders in light of excessive levels of air pollution in Delhi at present.

The case will be heard today by a bench of Chief Justice of India N.V.Ramana and Justice Chandrachud and Surya Kant.

Cause title : Aditya Dubey Vs Union of India