Amitabh Kant, the former CEO of NITI Aayog, has raised concerns about the Supreme Court's recent decision to allow the use of green firecrackers in Delhi, questioning whether the right to burn crackers should take precedence over the right to live and breathe. His remarks come as Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) plunged into the 'very poor' category, with many areas recording alarming pollution levels.

On Tuesday, the AQI in Delhi reached 359, indicating severe air quality, following a night of extensive firecracker use during Diwali celebrations. Kant highlighted that 36 out of 38 monitoring stations in the city reported pollution levels in the 'red zone', with some areas exceeding an AQI of 400. He stated, "Delhi’s air quality lies in shambles: 36/38 monitoring stations have hit the 'red zone.'"

Kant, who also served as the Sherpa for the 2023 G20 Summit, called for a comprehensive action plan to combat air pollution in the capital. He questioned why cities like Los Angeles, Beijing, and London have successfully managed their pollution issues while Delhi continues to struggle. He stated, "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."

In his critique, Kant proposed several measures to improve air quality, including ending crop and biomass burning, modernising thermal power plants, transitioning to electric transport by 2030, enforcing strict dust control measures, and redesigning the city for greener living. He emphasised that only decisive and relentless execution of these plans could restore breathable air in Delhi.

The Supreme Court had previously allowed firecracker use for two hours on Diwali, but the aftermath saw a significant deterioration in air quality. The Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai, noted the need for a balanced approach, permitting limited firecracker use while considering environmental impacts. However, the heavy smog and poor visibility on Tuesday morning underscored the ongoing air quality crisis in the national capital, prompting calls for urgent action to address the situation.