NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today came down heavily on the Delhi government during the hearing on the air pollution in Delhi and nearby cities saying that it was giving 'lame excuses' and 'passing the buck' and sought an action plan from the state government by tomorrow evening.

The SC bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Surya Kant which was hearing the matter pointed out to the lawyer Rahul Mehra, representing the Delhi government, that the affidavit filed by the state was targeting an insignificant source of pollution here, and all the blame on farmers for stubble burning and other states as being responsible for pollution in the NCR region.

When Mehra, said that the Mayor of Municipal Corporation of Delhi which is ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party can file an affidavit on how many mechanical road sweeping machines are needed to counter road dust pollution, Ramana said, "Are you trying to put the blame on municipal corporations?" Are you trying to pass the buck?"

The CJI went ahead and delivered a sharp rebuke, "This kind of lame excuse will force us to hold an audit of the revenue you are earning and spend on popularity slogans," referring to the regular advertisements published by the state government in several media. 

The Delhi government also informed the apex court that it was ready to declare lockdown and have advised all private offices, establishments to allow their staff to work from home, so as to ensure the least vehicular movement on the roads till November 17, 2021.

The state counsel also said that since air has no boundary, it has requested the central government to bring all the neighbouring states board to tackle the serious problem.