SC lifts ban on construction activities in Delhi- NCR

The Supreme Court on Friday lifted the ban on construction activities in Delhi imposed by it on 4 November.

The apex court bench, comprising Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta, observed that the 4 November order had served its purpose. The ban was imposed in the wake of high levels of pollution in the national capital.

The court passed this order while hearing several matters related to pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The next date of hearing is 28 February.

The Supreme Court had on 9 December partially lifted the ban on construction activities in Delhi-NCR and allowed it between the stipulated time period of 6am to 6pm.

The bench had passed this order after a report submitted by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said the air quality in the capital was in the 'poor' category against 'severe' earlier.

The court also extended till 26 February the deadline for Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to file status reports on steps being taken to tackle the issue of stubble burning. The agriculture ministry has also been directed to file an affidavit.

In another case of garbage disposal matter, states have to file affidavits till 26 February and the amicus curie has been directed to prepare a chart of compliance.