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In a bold statement, former NITI Aayog head Amitabh Kant took aim at the Supreme Court's decision regarding firecracker burning, insisting that it favors festive cheer over the dire need for public health protection. Given the hazardous air pollution prevailing in Delhi, where a majority of air quality monitors report 'red zone' statuses, Kant champions an all-encompassing action strategy.
NEW DELHI: Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Tuesday said that Supreme Court had chosen "the right to burn crackers over the right to live and breathe". In a post on X, Kant said: "Delhi's air quality lies in a shambles: 36/38 monitoring stations have hit the 'red zone,' AQI is above 400 in key areas...Delhi
remains among the world's most polluted capital.
If Los Angeles, Beijing and London can do it, why can't Delhi? Only ruthless and sustained execution can save Delhi from this health and environmental catastrophe (sic)."He added: "A unified action plan is vital - to end crop and biomass burning, shut or modernise thermal power plants and brick kilns with cleaner tech, shift all transport to electric by 2030, enforce strict construction dust control, ensure full waste segregation and processing and redesign Delhi around green, walkable, transit-focused living. Only such decisive & relentless execution can restore the city's blue skies and breathable air.