New Delhi: The Supreme Court once again expressed serious concern over the national Capital’s rising pollution levels and asked senior lawyers to appear at hearings virtually as wearing masks alone was not enough.

Justice PS Narsimha described the air pollution situation in Delhi as ‘very serious’ which can cause ‘permanent damage’.

“Why are you all appearing here? We have a virtual hearing facility. Please avail it. The pollution – this will cause permanent damage,” Justice Narsimha said while addressing senior lawyers.

When senior advocate Kapil Sibal stated that several lawyers were already wearing masks in court, the judge cautioned that masks alone may not be adequate protection, PTI reported.

“Even masks are not enough. It will not suffice. We will discuss with the Chief Justice as well,” the judge said.

Delhi on Thursday woke up to a thick blanket of smog, with air quality remaining in ‘severe’ category for the third straight day.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, Bawana recorded the worst Air Quality Index (AQI) of 460 at 8 am, while NSIT Dwarka reported the lowest at 216.

Multiple monitoring stations recorded alarming AQI readings in the morning – Anand Vihar was at 431, Bawana 460, Chandni Chowk 455, Ashok Vihar 348, North Campus DU 414, Dwarka Sector 8 400, ITO 438, Mundka 438, Narela 432 and Rohini 447.

Not for the first time, Supreme Court directed Punjab and Haryana to submit detailed data on steps taken to curb stubble burning.

‘Severe’ AQI can affect people with existing respiratory or cardiac conditions, but also healthy individuals.