SC Raps Delhi Government as Nation Capital Chokes Under Toxic Smog

The Supreme Court on Monday took a strong exception to the delay in implementing stricter measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) in New Delhi, which is grappling with alarming air pollution levels.

In a scathing remark, the bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih said that they will not allow the scaling down of preventive measures without their prior permission. The judges pointed out that there was a delay in implementing stage 4 of GRAP even after the Air Quality Index (AQI) hit alarming levels in the national capital.

The council for Delhi government informed the bench that stage 4 of GRAP has been implemented from Monday and heavy vehicles have been banned from entering the city. However, the court intervened and said, "How can you take risk in these matters by delaying applicability of stage 4 of GRAP."

The bench also pointed out that the court wants to know what steps Delhi government has taken to curb the alarming rise of pollution levels. They warned that the court will not allow scaling down of preventive measures under stage 4, even if AQI goes below 450.

"We won't allow scaling down of preventive measures under stage 4 even if AQI goes below 45. Stage 4 will continue till we permit," the bench said.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had announced stricter pollution control measures for Delhi-NCR under GRAP-4, effective from Monday, including a ban on truck entry and a temporary halt on construction at public projects. The AQI in Delhi worsened to 441 at 4 pm and rose to 457 by 7 pm due to unfavourable weather conditions.

The measures announced by CAQM include banning trucks entering the city except for those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric). Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be prohibited, except for EVs and CNG and BS-VI diesel ones.