New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the Delhi government for opening the schools for children when the pollution level is extreme in the city. The top court asked the Centre why the children were forced to go to schools when people are working from home.
A couple of hours after the top court's taunt, Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai informed that all schools in Delhi will be closed from tomorrow till further orders, due to current air pollution levels in the city.
The Delhi government had suspended physical classes in schools when the pollution level in the city reached its peak. From November 29, physical classes have resumed with many schools holding exams.
Warning of strict action, the court Thursday had given a 24-hour ultimatum to centre, Delhi, and neighboring states to act against industrial and vehicular pollution - counted as the main causes behind the deteriorating air quality.
Chiding the Arvind Kejriwal government over the reopening of the schools, a bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana had said that "three-year-olds and four-year-olds are going to schools but adults are working from home".
The Chief Justice said the court will appoint an authority to oversee the government's air pollution controlling measures.
The bench, also comprising Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Surya Kant pointed out that poor young boys are standing in the middle of the road, with banners and asked who's taking care of their health.
The Chief Justice that the bench was concerned with the implementation of their orders and added that it did not want affidavits.
Singhvi pointed at dust emanating from the ongoing construction activity at the Central Vista project. The bench emphasised that it wants action to control dust pollution.
The Chief Justice noted, "You've created a task force you're saying. How many task forces from the Delhi government, then Centre is creating their task force..." The hearing in the matter is in progress.
A special bench of the Supreme Court is hearing a plea by a 17-year-old Delhi student in connection with severe air pollution in the capital.