TOXIC SMOG CHOKING DELHI: SUPREME COURT RADES GOVERNMENT FOR DELAY IN IMPLEMENTING STRICTER MEASURES TO CURB POLLUTION

The Supreme Court of India has scolded the Delhi government for its delay in implementing stricter measures to curb pollution, as the national capital continues to struggle with a toxic smog that is choking its citizens.

In a strong rebuke, the Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih pointed out that there was a significant delay in implementing preventive measures under GRAP-4, even after the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached alarming levels.

The court expressed its concern over the government's decision to scale down the preventive measures without its prior permission. "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 Oka said, highlighting the critical situation.

The Supreme Court also took note of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)'s stricter pollution control measures effective from Sunday, which include a ban on truck entries and a temporary halt on construction at public projects.

In fact, the CAQM announced that no trucks would be allowed into Delhi except those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric). Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also prohibited, except for EVs and CNG and BS-VI diesel ones.

The court's decision comes as a huge sigh of relief for Delhiites who have been fighting against the choking smog. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation yesterday, saying that "this has reached a level where every individual has to be concerned," the Supreme Court's intervention is seen as a ray of hope in curbing the toxic pollution.

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) at 4 pm read 441 and rose further by 7 pm due to unfavourable weather conditions. According to experts, an AQI above 300 shows severe air pollution levels which can have a major impact on human life.

As tensions rise in the capital city, Delhi government officials will have to justify their decision for implementing the strict measures before the Supreme Court again tomorrow morning during its next hearing.

In this context, it can be said that today's strict order is an assurance from the apex court that the issue of air pollution in Delhi would be monitored closely by them and implemented with utmost seriousness.