SC asks Centre to devise programme in 48 hours to tackle Delhi's pollution

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to devise a common minimum programme to deal with pollution while hearing a plea on the rising level of pollution in Delhi and gave the government 48 hours to respond.

The top court also asked the Centre to apprise it about the policy, if any, to tackle the issue of rising pollution in the national capital.

The plea was filed by the Environment Pollution Control Authority which has sought a proper monitoring of worsening pollution levels in Delhi and adjoining areas.

Describing the situation as a public emergency, the EPCA urged the apex court to consider taking stringent action.

The Centre for Science and Environment and its director Sunita Narain has called on the apex court to monitor the Delhi government's emergency action plan to bring pollution levels down.

A bench led by Chief Justice T.S. Thakur has said it has already passed orders and they need to be implemented.

A thick blanket of smog continues to hover over the national capital. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced several measures to tackle the problem, including the closing of schools and halting of all construction and demolition activity till Friday.

The Centre had convened a meeting of Environment Ministers of Delhi and neighbouring states on Monday to find a solution to the problem.