India SC asks Centre, states to examine work from home options amid pollution crisis
People walk near the presidential palace amid heavy smoggy conditions in New Delhi on Monday. AFP
Gulf Today Report
As Delhi and its neigbouring states struggle to tackle pollution crisis, the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday told the Centre and state governments to examine the feasibility of work from home for employees.
The Apex Court also asked the states to ensure that stubble burning does not happen for 1-2 weeks.
"At present, there is a good amount of stubble burning taking place. We tell the states that stubble burning does not happen for 1-2 weeks," said a bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana.
The bench also includes Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Surya Kant.
It further directed the Centre and states, "to examine for work from home for employees," in the meanwhile.
The top court asked the chief secretaries of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana to be present for Tuesday's emergency meeting scheduled by the Centre.The bench noted that the construction, stubble burning, work from home, transport, etc., are the issues.
"Let the committees meet and let them discuss these issues...need an action plan by tomorrow evening," said the bench.
The top court pointed out that there is no basis for hue and cry about stubble burning, as it merely contributes to only 4 per cent of air pollution in winters, and pointed out that, as per Centre's affidavit, major culprits of air pollution are transport, industries, and vehicular pollution.
