SC Raps Delhi Government as Nation Capital Chokes Under Toxic Smog

New Delhi, November 18, 2024: The Supreme Court on Monday scolded the Delhi government over its delay in implementing stricter measures to combat severe air pollution in the national capital, ordering it not to scale down preventive measures without prior permission from the court.

The Air Warning Committee (CAQM) had announced the implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) earlier on Sunday, which includes a ban on truck entry and temporary halt on construction projects. However, the Supreme Court took severe note of the delay in implementing these measures.

A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih questioned the counsel for the Delhi government on why stage 4 of GRAP was not implemented immediately when the air quality index (AQI) reached alarmingly high levels. The judges asked how the government can take risks by delaying the implementation of stage 4.

"We won't allow scaling down of preventive measures under stage 4 even if AQI goes below 450," the Bench stated, adding that stage 4 will continue until the court permits it. The Supreme Court assured to hear the matter in detail at the end of the day's work.

The implementation of GRAP-4 was a response to Delhi's worsening air quality, with the AQI reaching 441 at 4 pm on Sunday and rising to 457 by 7 pm due to unfavourable weather conditions. Under GRAP-4, trucks carrying essential items or using clean fuel will be allowed entry while non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will be prohibited, except for electric vehicles (EVs) and CNG-diesel ones.

The Supreme Court's stern warning comes as the national capital continues to struggle with severe air pollution, making it difficult for citizens to breathe.