The Supreme Court on Monday stood firm on not easing the stringent Stage 4 restrictions of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) implemented to tackle severe air pollution in the national capital, citing the need for a consistent downward trend in the Air Quality Index (AQI) before any relaxation can be considered.
In a session presided over by Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, the court also summoned the chief secretaries of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, demanding they appear via video conferencing on December 5 to report on whether construction workers affected by the pollution curbs have been compensated with subsistence allowances.
The justices expressed frustration over the recurring severe air quality issues affecting Delhi-NCR annually between October and December. They highlighted a “complete lack of coordination” among key stakeholders—including the Delhi government, Delhi Police, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi—regarding the implementation of GRAP-4 measures.
Justice Oka remarked during the proceedings, “What we propose is, we will look into your suggestions, but today we will not permit relaxations unless you show us a clear downward trend.” The court stressed the importance of real improvements in air quality, as reflected by AQI readings, which categorize air quality levels from “good” to “severe” based on concentration values.
The hearing revealed significant lapses in enforcing the pollution control measures, particularly at the city’s entry points where trucks are banned from entering during high pollution episodes. Reports submitted by court-appointed commissioners illustrated the risks and threats they faced while inspecting these entry points, prompting the court to direct Delhi police to ensure their safety.
The bench emphasized that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) must take proactive steps in coordinating with various authorities to enforce GRAP-4 measures effectively. “It is the responsibility of the CAQM to coordinate the activities of all these entities with a view to ensure that GRAP 4 measures are implemented,” the justices noted.
