'Even Masks Are Not Enough': Supreme Court Sounds Alarm on Delhi's Pollution

The Supreme Court voiced strong concern on Thursday over Delhi's worsening pollution, calling the situation "very serious" and cautioning that even wearing masks may not be enough to protect residents from long term harm.

Court Urges Virtual Hearings Amid Hazardous Air

During the hearing, the bench noted the thick layer of smog engulfing the capital and advised senior lawyers to avoid physical appearances.

"Why are you all here? We have a facility for virtual hearings, please use it. This pollution can cause permanent damage," Justice PS Narasimha said firmly.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal responded that many lawyers were already using masks. The judge, however, stressed that the situation had passed the point where basic precautions could offer full protection.

"Even masks are not sufficient. We will discuss this issue with the Chief Justice as well," he remarked.

Delhi Air Quality Slips Into Severe Zone for Third Day

Delhi woke up once again to a blanket of haze, with the Air Quality Index staying in the severe category for the third consecutive day. This level of pollution poses risks even to healthy people and can sharply worsen breathing and heart related conditions.

Morning visuals from across the city showed entire stretches of buildings, flyovers and streets fading into the smog.

According to Central Pollution Control Board readings at 8 am, several monitoring stations logged alarming figures. Bawana stood at 460, Chandni Chowk at 455, Anand Vihar at 431, ITO at 438, North Campus DU at 414, Rohini at 447 and Dwarka Sector 8 at 400. Bawana recorded the highest pollution level of the day, while NSIT Dwarka reported the lowest at 216.

Stubble Burning Under Scanner as Court Seeks Accountability

The worsening air quality has been largely linked to stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court directed both states to submit detailed reports on the steps taken to control crop residue burning.

The bench headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai noted that clear proof of enforcement and action on the ground was needed. The court underlined that state administrations must be held accountable for the persistent rise in toxic emissions.

The next hearing is scheduled for November 17, when the court will review compliance reports from the two states.