Supreme Court takes tough stance on Delhi air pollution post-rain: urges action against farm fires

• Supreme Court expresses dissatisfaction with progress on air pollution in Delhi, emphasizing the need to stop farm fires
• Court questions the Centre and Punjab government about measures to phase out paddy cultivation for water table restoration
• Concerns raised about groundwater depletion in Punjab; follow-up hearing scheduled for November 21

The Supreme Court, addressing matters related to air pollution in Delhi, expressed dissatisfaction with the ground-level progress in tackling the issue. The bench, led by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, inquired about long-term measures taken by the Centre and the Punjab government to phase out paddy cultivation and restore the water table in Punjab. Emphasizing the need to stop farm fires, the court urged states to exhibit tangible results in pollution control measures and scheduled a follow-up hearing on November 21. The court's tough stance comes in the wake of recent rain in Delhi-NCR, with Justice Kaul remarking that the decline in air quality during Diwali holidays should be prevented.

During the proceedings, the Supreme Court highlighted concerns about diminishing groundwater levels in Punjab and emphasized the necessity to phase out paddy cultivation in the state. The court criticized the Punjab Governor for not approving bills passed by the assembly and questioned the decision to adjourn, rather than prorogue, the budget session. While acknowledging the impact of overnight rain, the court remarked, "God may have heard the prayers of people and intervened, no thanks to the government."