SC Raps Delhi Government as Nation Capital Chokes Under Toxic Smog
The Supreme Court of India has sternly criticized the Delhi government for its delay in implementing stricter measures to curb the severe pollution problem plaguing the national capital, saying it will not allow any scaling down of preventive measures without its prior permission.
In a scathing rebuke, the Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih stated that the government had delayed in implementing the fourth stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which is set to address the deteriorating air quality crisis. The court pointed out that despite an alarming rise in pollution levels, no concrete steps were taken by the government to address the issue.
The Supreme Court reminded the Delhi government that as soon as the Air Quality Index (AQI) touches between 300 and 400, stage 4 of GRAP has to be invoked. It asked why the authorities had delayed implementing this crucial measure.
"The moment the AQI reaches between 300 and 400, stage 4 has to be invoked. How can you take a risk in these matters by delaying applicability of stage 4 of GRAP," Justice Oka told the counsel for the Delhi government.
The court warned that it will not allow any scaling down of preventive measures under stage 4 even if the AQI goes below 450. Instead, the Supreme Court said that Stage 4 will continue till the court permits.
On Sunday, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had announced stricter pollution control measures for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), effective from Monday, including a ban on truck entry and a temporary halt to construction at public projects. The measures came as air quality soared to an all-time high in Delhi.
With these new restrictions in place, no trucks would be allowed into Delhi except those carrying essential items or using clean fuel such as liquefied natural gas (LNG)/compressed natural gas (CNG)/Bio-5 diesel/electric vehicles. Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be prohibited, except for electric and CNG-based vehicles.
It remains to be seen how the Supreme Court's strictures will impact the enforcement of these measures in Delhi.