SC Raps Delhi Government Over Choking National Capital Due to Toxic Smog

The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi government to ensure that stricter pollution control measures are implemented across the national capital without scaling down any preventive measures unless given prior permission.

In a scathing remark, the Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed dismay 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 Delhi.

The counsel for the Delhi government informed the court that stage 4 of GRAP has been implemented from Monday, with heavy vehicles banned from entering the national capital. However, the Bench pointed out the delay and expressed discontent over the government's move to scale down preventive measures without its consent.

"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," Justice Abhay S Oka was heard saying.

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 trucks entering the city and a temporary halt on construction at public projects.

As the national capital continues to choke with rising pollution levels, the Supreme Court's remarks come at a time when the air quality index (AQI) has reached hazardous levels in Delhi. The government has been directed to take immediate action to curb the alarming rise of pollution level.

The court's intervention has sparked concern among residents and citizens who have been struggling to breathe due to the toxic smog hovering over the city.