SC raps Delhi government as nation capital chokes under toxic smog

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Monday lashed out at the Delhi government for its slow response to address the severe air pollution crisis in the city, saying it will not allow scaling down of preventive measures without its prior permission.

The bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih criticized the government's delay in implementing stricter measures under GRAP-4, an action plan designed to protect the environment from pollution. The top court expressed concern over the slow response, saying that every moment's delay is at the cost of public health.

The bench pointed out that despite the air quality index (AQI) touching alarming levels in the national capital, there was a significant delay in implementing Stage 4 of GRAP, which aims to prohibit trucks from entering the city. The court stated that this delay poses a risk to public health and urged the government to take immediate action.

"Stage 4 has been implemented but we want to know what steps have been taken by you to curb the alarming rise of pollution," the bench said in its stern warning. "We won't allow scaling down preventive measures under Stage 4 even if AQI goes below 450. You can continue with Stage 4 till we permit."

This statement underscores the SC's strong stance against the government's slow response to address the air pollution crisis in Delhi.

On Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued a stricter order under GRAP-4, effective from Monday morning, including a ban on non-essential trucks entering the city and temporarily halting construction projects.

However, the Supreme Court has asked the government to obtain its prior permission before scaling down of any preventive measures. The bench also directed that it will hear the matter in detail at the end of its current session.

With this warning, Delhi remains a victim of toxic smog which continues to choke its residents.