Air pollution: Are you waiting for pollution related deaths, SC asks CPCB

New Delhi [India], Nov. 10 : The Supreme Court on Thursday criticized the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for not having an action plan ready for the "emergency" smog situation and asked whether it is waiting for pollution related deaths.

The apex court asked the CPCB to come out with a plan immediately about setting of sufficient number of pollution monitoring units about Air Quality Index (AQI) and other measures.

A three-judge bench pulled up the apex pollution monitoring body for "sluggish" response on the issue even as Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar blamed the implementing agencies for not being able to do what they were required to do to address the situation.

Observing that CPCB does not appear to have any "definite plan", the bench said the board, in consultation with government, will prepare a detailed plan specifying which authority will be responsible for implementing the recommendations.

The court will next hear the matter on November 25..

Source: ANI