The Court: Breathing clean air is a right

Climate & environment

Sky-high values ​​for bad air in India - fires must be stopped

Christina Nordh

Published 11.59

A boat makes its way through the smog in Mumbai, India on January 11 this year. Photo: Rafiq Maqbool/AP

Clean air is a fundamental right.

That is what the Supreme Court of India states.

In addition, the authorities are asked to take measures against the increasingly poor air quality in the northern parts of the country.

India's capital Delhi showed very poor air on the air quality index, 364, on Wednesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Values ​​below 50 on the air quality index are considered good. The Swiss group IQAir named Delhi as the most polluted city in its ranking.

The city battles air pollution every winter, and authorities say much of the smoke comes from farmers in Punjab and Haryana burning their fields after harvest.

Security guards have closed a bridge in New Delhi because of the smog. (Graphic image.) Photo: Manish Swarup / AP

The Supreme Court is now demanding that both provinces take action against the burnings and says that the penal provisions have not been applied, writes Reuters.

- This is not just about applying existing laws, it is about a clear violation of fundamental rights, the rulers must deal with how to protect the citizens' right to live with dignity, reads the statement from the court.

In Punjab, the authorities have changed school hours and all outdoor activities have been canceled due to the air pollution.

- These steps are taken to protect the children from the smog, says Marriyam Aurangzeb, a high-ranking minister in the state.