SC raps Delhi government as nation capital chokes under toxic smog

The Supreme Court has criticized the Delhi government for its delay in implementing stricter measures to combat rising pollution levels in the national capital, saying it will not allow scaling down of preventive measures without its prior permission.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed disappointment over the delay in implementing stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) even after the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched alarming levels in New Delhi.

As Delhi's air quality continued to deteriorate, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued a order on Sunday, imposing stricter pollution control measures effective from Monday, including a ban on truck entry and temporary halt on construction projects. However, despite these measures, the court felt that it needed more assurance.

The Supreme Court warned that stage 4 of GRAP will continue until it gets permission to scale down preventive measures, even if the Air Quality Index falls below 450.

According to the Commission's 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 Electric Vehicles and CNG and BS-VI diesel ones.

The national capital continues to grapple with the issue of toxic smog, which has been plaguing the city for several years. The court's decision comes as a relief to office-goers and residents who have been struggling to breathe in the thick layer of smog that has engulfed the city.