Supreme Court Raps Delhi Government as Nation Capital Chokes Under Toxic Smog

The Supreme Court on Monday scolded the government over its delayed implementation of stricter measures to control rising pollution levels in New Delhi, warning that it will not permit scaling down of preventive measures without its prior permission.

As the nation's capital continued to grapple with hazardous air quality, the apex court rapped over the government's delay in enacting stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which aims to tackle severe pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) level hit alarming levels, reaching 457 due to unfavourable weather conditions.

The court expressed its dismay at the delay in implementing strict measures under stage IV of GRAP, despite the AQI touching critical levels. A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih directed that no trucks would be allowed into Delhi except for those carrying essential items or using clean fuel, and noted that non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside the city will also face restrictions.

"We won't allow scaling down of preventive measures under stage IV even if AQI goes below 450. Stage IV will continue till court permits," stated the Bench. The apex court warned that it would hear the matter in detail at the end of the workday and emphasized its commitment to ensuring a safe environment for Delhiites.

This comes as the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had announced stricter pollution control measures under GRAP-IV, effective from Monday, including a ban on truck entry and a temporary halt on construction projects. The announcement aimed to curb the escalating pollution levels, which have posed a threat to public health.

New Delhi faces severe air pollution with AQI reaching hazardous levels, prompting the court's stern warning to the government. The city authorities are under pressure to adopt measures that protect the well-being of citizens and ensure the environmental well-being of the nation's capital.