Delhi Pollution Crisis Continues: Chief Justice of India Reports Breathing Difficulties Amid Deteriorating Air Quality

New Delhi:

The air pollution crisis in Delhi and National Capital Region is expected to persist for at least another week, prompting serious concern from Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The pollution has reached such alarming levels that even routine morning walks have become challenging, as the Chief Justice personally noted today.

According to Dr. Naresh Kumar, senior scientist at the India Meteorological Department, no rainfall is anticipated during this period, likely extending the current pollution crisis.

Justice Kant shared his personal experience, revealing that a 55-minute walk on Tuesday left him with breathing difficulties and discomfort throughout the morning. This disclosure came during court proceedings when senior lawyer Rakesh Dwivedi requested exemption from attendance due to health concerns related to the poor air quality.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned that he too has abandoned his walking routine because of the pollution, noting that the Air Quality Index (AQI) remains between 300-350 even during evening hours.

In light of these conditions, Dwivedi suggested implementing virtual hearings, a recommendation Sibal endorsed. Chief Justice Kant indicated that such a decision would require consultation with the bar association, which he plans to discuss during upcoming Constitution Day celebrations.

Dwivedi further proposed that lawyers over 60 years of age be temporarily exempted from physical attendance. This follows similar advice from Justice PS Narasimha, who recently encouraged virtual attendance options due to Delhi's deteriorating air quality.

The IMD forecasts that wind speeds in Delhi-NCR will remain between 5 to 10 kilometers per hour over the next week. Furthermore, no rainfall is expected in most areas of northwest India, including Delhi-NCR, for the next 15 days, with no anticipated changes in wind speed.

Meanwhile, Punjab is expected to experience a cold wave beginning tomorrow morning, which will continue for two days.