17 flying squads will monitor pollution curbs: Centre in SC

The Union government on Friday responded to the 24-hour deadline set by the Supreme Court on Thursday for creating an “urgent” mechanism to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR, and constituted an enforcement task force and 17 flying squads to implement pollution control measures through surprise checks, inspection and closure of polluting units, besides announcing criminal prosecution and imposition of fines on violators. On Thursday, a bench, headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, observed that the top court could set up a task force itself since “nothing is really happening to control pollution” and “all authorities have failed”. “Operation of thermal power plants within 300 kilometres radius of Delhi shall continue to be regulated in terms of Commission’s order on November 30 whereby, only 5 out of 11 thermal power plants, have been permitted to schedule their operations and rest have been directed to remain inoperative till at least December 15.” At this point, the bench asked the S-G to consider moving to alternate power sources once thermal power plants are switched off. As Kumar said that UP is a downwind state and the air quality is affected due to wind from Pakistan, the bench replied in a lighter vein: “Do you want us to ban industries in Pakistan?” The court then passed a brief order, recording its satisfaction over the steps taken by the Centre and CAQM.