Capital’s like ‘gas chamber''

New Delhi, January 18

Fed up with high level of air pollution in Delhi, the Supreme Court today said it was better not to be in the national capital which had become like a “gas chamber”.

"In the morning and evening, there is so much pollution and traffic congestion. It’s better not to be in Delhi. I do not wish to settle here. It is difficult to live here," said Justice Arun Mishra while hearing a PIL on air pollution in the NCR.

Expressing despair over non-implementation of measures to curb air pollution and traffic congestion in the capital, the Bench, also including Justice Deepak Gupta said these problems affects right to life.

Narrating his personal experience with traffic problem this morning, Justice Mishra said he was stuck in traffic and could have missed the swearing-in of Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Sanjiv Khanna that was scheduled at 10.30 am.

As amicus curiae advocate Aparajita Singh complained that the capital had become a "gas chamber" due to pollution, Justice Gupta agreed.

Singh complained that though authorities maintained measures were being taken to curb pollution, the reality is different.

"We would like to understand... What are the things which are required to be done in actuality? What remains to be done as per the comprehensive action plan? Implementation is definitely lacking,” the Bench said.

It said that many polluting vehicles enter at night and wondered how authorities allow it. The Bench asked the Delhi Police to explain action taken to remove unclaimed vehicles no longer required in cases from police stations.

"If you can dispose of the junk vehicles, you will get several acres of land," the Bench said, posting the matter for further hearing on February 1.

On the issue of Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) — a corridor between Delhi, Ghaziabad and Meerut, the Bench said it is "absolutely necessary" and cannot be at the "mercy" of the Delhi government. It said the project is "essential" for people of Delhi as it would help in de-congesting the roads of the national capital and curbing pollution.

The Bench was told that the estimated cost of the project is Rs 31,902 crore and the Delhi government's share is Rs 1,138 crore, which it wants the Centre to pay as it does not have funds. Of the 82.15 km long corridor, Delhi will have a 13 km section with stations at Sarai Kale Khan, New Ashok Nagar and Anand Vihar. — TNS