Status-driven Diwali gifting fuelling Delhi vehicular pollution: SC talks tough
India Today · Aneesha Mathur ·
The Supreme Court said a 039cultural shift039 was needed to curb the annual pollution menace in Delhi as the overall AQI in the national capital came within touching distance of the severe category
The Supreme Court said a 'cultural shift' was needed to curb the annual pollution menace in Delhi as the overall AQI in the national capital came within touching distance of the severe category.
The Supreme Court on Friday flagged the culture of exchanging Diwali gifts as a contributor to vehicular pollution in Delhi as the national capital continued to breathe toxic air. Underlining that a "cultural shift" was needed to curb the annual pollution menace in Delhi, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said the rich had turned the practice of exchanging Diwali gifts into a social and status symbol.
"This culture adds to vehicular pollution. People need to realise what our original culture is and what should be done," the CJI said. The Supreme Court's sharp remarks came as the overall AQI in Delhi came within touching distance of the severe category on Friday. As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average AQI was recorded at 389, even though it surged past 400 in several regions.
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