SC Raps Delhi Government as Nation Capital Chokes Under Toxic Smog
The Supreme Court of India on Monday scolded the Delhi government over its delay in implementing stricter measures to combat the deteriorating air quality in the national capital, which continues to choke under toxic smog.
In a warning, the Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih said that it will not permit any scaling down of preventive measures without prior permission from the court. The court noted that there was a significant delay in implementing stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), even after the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched alarming levels.
The Supreme Court told the counsel for the Delhi government that stage 4 has been implemented to curb pollution, starting from Monday. However, the Bench expressed concerns over the delay and warned that it will hear the matter in detail at the end of the day's work.
"Delaying applicability of stage 4 of GRAP poses a risk to public health," said the Bench. "We want to know what concrete steps have been taken to address the alarming rise in pollution levels."
Earlier on Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced stricter measures under GRAP-4, effective from Monday. These measures include banning trucks and construction projects, except for essential items.
However, the Supreme Court took exception to these restrictions being introduced only after Delhi's AQI rose alarmingly due to unfavourable weather conditions. The court instructed that stage 4 will continue until it permits it to do so.
With the current situation in New Delhi resembling a war zone, residents are once again bracing themselves for another day of living in the midst of toxic smog. Office-goers were spotted wearing face masks as air pollution levels continued to shoot up in the national capital.
The Supreme Court's scathing rebuke to the government comes amidst rising public concern over pollution levels and how these authorities have failed to deliver adequate relief measures.