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The Delhi High Court on Wednesday expressed strong displeasure over the apparent lack of concrete action by authorities to address the worsening air pollution crisis and questioned the continued levy of 18 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on air purifiers despite the prevailing public health emergency.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Kapil Madan, seeking recognition of air purifiers as medical devices and a corresponding reduction in GST. Senior Advocate Arvind Nayar appeared on behalf of the petitioner. During the hearing, the Court expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as inaction on the issue, noting that the State has a duty to ensure clean, breathable air for citizens. Justice Gedela remarked that if authorities are unable to address the root causes immediately, they could at least ease the burden on citizens by reducing taxes on devices that provide some protection. "This is the minimum that you can do. Every citizen requires fresh air. If you can't do that, the minimum you can do is reduce GST," Justice Gedela observed. The Court directed the authorities to obtain instructions on the issue, noting that the hearing would continue at 2:30 pm. Meanwhile, the Delhi Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Tuesday approved a series of major decisions aimed at strengthening the capital's fight against pollution and improving environmental governance, according to a press release. Announcing the outcomes, Minister for Environment Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that these initiatives would bring "a decisive reduction in sources of air and water pollution, while creating a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment." The Cabinet approved an allocation of Rs. 100 crore for rejuvenating water bodies that are under the Delhi government. There are approximately 1,000 such water bodies in Delhi, out of which 160 water bodies fall under the Delhi Government's domain. Sirsa stated, "The rejuvenation of Delhi's water bodies will play a crucial role in pollution control. The Chief Minister has directed that every possible financial support be extended to complete this work within the year." (ANI)
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