SC raps Delhi govt over delay in imposing anti-pollution curbs; GRAP 4 to remain in place until further orders
PTC News Desk: The Supreme Court strongly chastised the Delhi government and the Central commission on Monday for delaying the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the national capital, where air quality is rated as 'severe plus'. The top court ruled that the Stage 4 restrictions under GRAP shall stay in effect until additional instructions from the court.
A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih is hearing the case, which seeks directions to reduce air pollution in the national capital and surrounding areas.
The court questioned the Delhi government about the efforts taken to address the air pollution crisis and stated, "We are making it clear. You are not going to move below Stage 4 (of GRAP) without the permission of this court."
"Even if the AQI falls below 400, you will continue with Stage 4 measures. That is the order we propose to problem," the court stated.
The Supreme Court asked the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) when the GRAP mechanism was used in the city. It said that Grade 3 actions were implemented when pollution levels exceeded 400.
"It is used when the AQI level is between 300 and 400. We monitor for 2-3 days and then invoke," the commission stated.
The Supreme Court responded, "That's a lapse on your part! How can you delay? If the AQI level reaches beyond 300, you invoke Grade 3 measures! Why delay 3 days?" "The moment it reaches 300 to 400 GRAP has to be invoked. How can you take risk in such matters of delaying the applicability of GRAP?," the bench asked.
When the counsel representing the CAQM, which is part of the Union Ministry of Environment, assured the court that air pollution levels were projected to fall, Justice Oka said, "Can you afford to take such chances?"
"In a lighter vein, can anybody rely on the IMD department?" the judge enquired.
The Air Quality Index in Delhi rose to 481, the worst level of the season, and remained in the severe plus category for the second day in a row.
- PTC NEWS
