The Supreme Court of India on Monday ordered that GRAP-4 restrictions will remain in effect until further notice from the apex court which was hearing a plea aimed at reducing air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
The Supreme Court of India has ordered the continuation of GRAP-4 restrictions in Delhi-NCR due to alarming air pollution levels, emphasising the urgent need for action to combat the deteriorating air quality
The Supreme Court of India on Monday ordered that GRAP-4 restrictions will remain in effect until further notice from the apex court which was hearing a plea aimed at reducing air pollution in Delhi-NCR.
A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih came down heavily on the Delhi government and the Central Commission for Air Quality Management for delaying the implementation of next stage of anti-pollution measures under the stage IV of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
“The moment the AQI reaches between 300 and 400, stage 4 has to be invoked. How can you take risk in these matters by delaying applicability of stage 4 of GRAP,” the bench told the counsel.
The top court said it will hear the matter in detail at the end of the day’s work. It further inquired about the actions taken by the Delhi government to keep a check on the constantly declining air quality in Delhi NCR.
The Delhi government informed the bench that stage 4 of GRAP has been implemented from November 18. Besides, heavy vehicles have been prohibited from entering Delhi. Whereas, non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be banned, except for EVs and CNG and BS-VI diesel ones.
On Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management in Delhi-NCR imposed GRAP 4 as the air quality index (AQI) in Delhi surpassed the AQI of 400, reaching 441 at 4 pm and rising to 457 by 7 pm due to unfavourable weather conditions.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi further announced the closure of schools for all students except for those in classes 10 and 12 from November 18, on Sunday and directed to run classes in online mode.
On November 14, the top court had agreed to urgently list the plea after it was told that Delhi should not become the most polluted city in the world due to the rising pollution.
The top court had earlier outlined that the right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere was a fundamental right of every citizen, protected by Article 21 of the Constitution.
The apex court was hearing a plea aimed at reducing air pollution in Delhi-NCR as the city is battling severe conditions with the AQI crossing 457 on Sunday.