Satyendra Jain blames Haryana and Punjab for 70% of Delhi's smog

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain once again blamed Haryana and Punjab for the smog engulfing the national capital.

Jain said, "I agree that normally the level of pollution is high in Delhi and it was also high in October and September. But in today's time, if pollution is on the rise, then 70% is due to stubble burning in neighbouring states."

"We are taking appropriate measures, roads of Delhi are being washed - the corners are being cleaned so that dust does not rise, irrespective of whose responsibility it is. The Delhi Government is taking all initiatives to clean all main roads," he added.

The minister said that Delhi police has been instructed not to allow any vehicle to enter Delhi that might further increase pollution levels and added that if the situation is not brought under control by Friday, then they would introduce the odd-even scheme for vehicular movement again.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will hear a plea on the rising level of pollution in Delhi today.

The plea was filed by the Environment Pollution Control Authority, which has sought a proper monitoring of worsening pollution levels in the national capital 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 TS 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 all construction and demolition activity till Friday.

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

--ANI