SC Raps Delhi Government as Nation Capital Chokes Under Toxic Smog

The Supreme Court on Monday took strong exception to the delay in implementing stricter measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) in New Delhi, which is choking under toxic smog.

At the urging of a Bench of two Justices who pointed out the delay in implementing stage 4 of GRAP even after the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched alarming levels in the national capital.

The court said that it will not allow scaling down of the preventive measures without its prior permission. The Bench also reminded the Delhi government that when AQI reaches between 300 and 400, stage 4 must be invoked.

"We won’t allow scaling down of preventive measures under stage 4 even if AQI goes below 450. Stage 4 will continue till court permits,” said the Bench.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had announced stricter pollution control measures for the Delhi-NCR under GRAP-4, effective from Monday, including a ban on truck entry and a temporary halt on construction projects.

However, the Supreme Court has issued an ultimatum to the government that it should not scale down these measures without its prior permission.

According to the order, no trucks would be allowed into Delhi 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.

The air quality in New Delhi continued to deteriorate on Monday with the AQI reaching 441 by 4 pm and rising to 457 by 7 pm due to unfavourable weather conditions.

The Supreme Court's decision comes amidst a thick haze that enveloped the nation's capital, causing alarm among residents who are struggling to breathe. The government has been advised not to delay implementing these measures without a court order.

It is worth noting that the National Capital Region (NCR) and other affected areas have been battling with poor air quality since Sunday and the Supreme Court had warned against any laxity in preventing the toxic smog from spreading.