Supreme Court orders closure of all schools up to Class 12 in Delhi-NCR due to air pollution | Key Points
Delhi air pollution: In response to the severe air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, the Supreme Court has directed the closure of all schools up to class 12. The schools will continue their classes in online mode until further notice. This decision comes after schools for classes 9 and below were closed last night.
The Supreme Court has also decided to continue the implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) level 4, regardless of whether the Air Quality Index (AQI) drops below 300.
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SC orders strict implementation of GRAP Stage 4 in NCR
The Supreme Court has directed all state governments in the National Capital Region (NCR) to rigorously implement GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage 4. The apex court also ordered the formation of immediate teams by the NCR states to monitor and enforce the actions required under this stage.
The apex court further instructed the governments of Delhi and NCR to urgently decide on the steps outlined in GRAP Stage 4 and present them before the court by the next hearing date. Additionally, the court mandated the establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism by the Delhi and NCR governments to address violations of the prescribed measures.
The Supreme Court made it clear that GRAP Stage 4 will remain in force until further orders, even if the Air Quality Index (AQI) drops below 450. It emphasised that both state and central governments must file compliance affidavits regarding the implementation of these measures.
The SC reiterated that it is the constitutional responsibility of both the state and central governments to ensure that citizens live in a pollution-free environment. In addition to the measures under GRAP Stage 3 and 4, the Court directed the authorities to take all necessary actions to restore normalcy and improve air quality.
Pollution 17 times 'above acceptable limits'
According to Swiss air quality monitoring platform IQAir, Delhi's air pollution level has soared to more than 17 times higher than the 'acceptable' limit.
At 12:30 pm on Monday, IQAir recorded the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) at a staggering 1743. To put this into perspective, an AQI below 101 is considered acceptable, while readings above 300 are categorised as hazardous.
- With inputs from agencies
