Delhi's air pollution panel deploys ‘flying squads’ after SC's rebuke

PTC News Desk: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi deployed 'flying squads' across the national capital to prevent farmers in Haryana and Punjab from burning stubble and improperly dumping agricultural waste. The development comes after the Supreme Court's stern remarks on the matter of air pollution in Delhi, reported NDTV.

The CAQM, a central body established to monitor air pollution and quality in Delhi, said in a statement that the flying squads will work with state anti-pollution bodies to cover 10 areas in Haryana and 16 in Punjab to prevent air pollution in Delhi.

This comes as Supreme Court Justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih questioned the authorities on Friday about Delhi's deteriorating air quality index, which has become an annual winter event in the national capital due to stubble burning, traffic pollution, and construction dust.

When informed that the CAQM only met once every three months, the Supreme Court was displeased and rebuked the anti-pollution body for "complete non-compliance" with the law.

“Have committees been constituted? Please show us a single step taken, which directions have you used... Just see the affidavit. Show us a single direction issued under S 12 and others,” SC said.

According to the CAQM statement, the 'flying squads' will visit hotspot districts in Punjab and Haryana from October 1 to November 30. They will work with the state administration and local officials on stubble burning and pollution issues.

"The squads will report to the Commission and CPCB on a daily basis, including steps taken to prevent further incidents of paddy stubble burning in the allocated district," according to a statement.