Ready for complete lockdown: Delhi to Supreme Court amid rising air pollution

Delhi air quality: Delhi Government on Monday told the Supreme Court that it was ready to impose a complete lockdown in Delhi to control air pollution. It also suggested to the top court that it would be meaningful if lockdown was implemented across the NCR areas in neighboring states. Also Read | Air pollution: Schools in Haryana’s Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Jhajjar to remain shut till Nov 17 Advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for petitioners, said that "No action on stubble burning in Punjab due to upcoming elections." To this, the Chief Justice of India said that "Don't raise the issue of elections. We have nothing to do with politics." Also Read | Delhi Air Pollution: Punjab farmers continue to burn stubble, say govt has not provided compensation Then, Vikas Singh said that "the construction should be regulated, not banned. We went through all the affidavits. We are making suggestions based on that." Justice DY Chandrachud said that "This is a crisis situation. We cannot go into new suggestions and systems now." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that "We have not suggested that you shut down Badarpur power plant. Need to focus on alternative fuels." "We suggested increasing public transport. Open burning should be stopped," he added. He further listed down suggestions that included the closing of stone crushers in Delhi NCR. "Badarpur plant we haven’t directed a shut down as it's already shut down," he said. He also asked to "stop the use of coal or firewoods in hotels or eateries." "Stringently enforce and stop garbage burning," he said. On Saturday, the Supreme Court had suggested the Centre declare a two days lockdown to tackle air pollution in the national capital. -PTC News