Supreme Court Slams Authorities Over Delayed Action as Delhi’s Air Quality Plunges

Delhi’s air quality deteriorated to the ‘severe-plus’ category this morning, prompting a stern response from the Supreme Court. The apex court pulled up authorities for delays in implementing stringent restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a framework designed to combat the capital’s persistent air pollution crisis.

The bench comprising Justice AS Oka and Justice AG Masih emphasized the urgency of enforcing GRAP measures promptly and criticized the delay in implementing Stage 3 restrictions. Noting that GRAP 3 was activated three days after the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 300, the court questioned the rationale behind waiting to observe if AQI levels dipped. "Once it reaches, it has to be invoked... how can the applicability of Stage 3 be delayed anyhow?" the court said, reprimanding the authorities for their inaction during critical periods.

Tougher Restrictions Under Stage 4

The court underscored the need for consistency in implementing restrictions and directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Delhi government not to relax Stage 4 measures without judicial approval. Even if the AQI drops below 300, the court ordered that restrictions under Stage 4 should remain in place. "We are making it very clear that you will not go below Stage 4 without our permission now," the bench declared.

The matter, which highlights the inefficiency in enforcing anti-pollution measures, will be revisited later today.

GRAP: A Step-by-Step Approach to Cleaner Air

GRAP is a four-tier system introduced to address Delhi’s air pollution based on AQI levels:

• GRAP 1: Activated when AQI is in the ‘poor’ category (201–300). Measures include periodic sprinkling of water on roads, banning open waste burning, and restricting diesel generators.
• GRAP 2: Triggered when AQI surpasses 300. Daily road sprinkling is enforced, uninterrupted power supply is ensured to reduce generator use, parking fees are hiked to discourage private vehicles, and public transport services like CNG and electric buses are enhanced.
• GRAP 3: Implemented when AQI exceeds 400. Provisions include banning polluting vehicles, restricting mining, stone-crushing, and construction activities, and considering online classes for primary students.
• GRAP 4: Enforced at AQI levels above 450. This stage bans the entry of non-compliant commercial vehicles, including those that do not conform to BS-VI norms. Further curbs may include discontinuing physical classes for senior students.

A Persistent Crisis

Delhi’s air quality continues to pose a severe public health challenge. While GRAP offers a structured response to escalating pollution, its effectiveness hinges on timely and consistent implementation. The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the critical need for accountability among enforcement agencies as millions grapple with hazardous air every winter.

The ongoing hearing could set a precedent for stricter oversight of pollution control measures, offering hope for more decisive action in tackling Delhi’s worsening air crisis.