Ensure all rules followed to minimise air pollution in Delhi: HC

Observing that air pollution in Delhi is of an "emergency nature", the Delhi High Court on Monday asked all the authorities here to ensure that all rules which are in place are followed to minimise the pollution level.

A division bench of Justice B.D. Ahmed and Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva said: "It is their (authorities) prime duty to ensure all rules are followed because situation that has arisen today is of emergency nature."

Saying there have already been rules and acts to ensure maintenance of air quality levels but authorities have not done their work, the bench asked them to follow the rules.

Taking note that the pollution level has gone up on year to year basis, the court asked the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to analyse the data available with it from 2011 onwards, and provide the court a monthly average chart of each pollutant.

It has also been asked to give a weekly chart of the pollutants during the months from October to February for all the years from 2011 to 2015.

DPCC has also been asked to furnish the court with details of action taken by it, against any violations, in the last five years.

On the rising levels of landfill sites in Delhi which handle 8,500 metric tonnes of waste generated by the city each day, the court said the solid waste management rules were not implemented in Delhi.

"Himalayan range is developing in Delhi," remarked the bench, as it posted the matter for January 14, 2016.

The court was hearing a PIL seeking measures to control increasing air pollution in the national capital.