Delhi HC inquires Punjab, Haryana on steps taken against stubble burning

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday inquired Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan about the action taken against stubble burning.

Observing that the situation was grave in wake of advisories issued against sending children to school and discouraging morning walks, the court said that stubble burning may be the visible villain, but there are other contributory factors too, the court observed.

Earlier in the day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also blamed stubble burning in the adjoining states for the rising pollution levels. He asked Education Minister Manish Sisodia to consider closing down schools for a few days as the city woke up to a thick smog on Tuesday.

The rapid fall in air quality and visibility began last evening as moisture combined with pollutants shrouded the city in a thick cover of haze.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) by 10 a.m. recorded 'severe' air quality, meaning the intensity of pollution was extreme.

A public health emergency was also declared later.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the alarming levels of pollution in the national capital region, over 10,000 masks have been issued to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel involved with various security levels.

The CISF ordered issuance of as many as 8000 masks to the personnel involved with Metro Security, 5000 to those involved with the Airport Security, and close to 1000 to other security personnel.