The Supreme Court has taken a stern stance on Delhi’s escalating air pollution crisis, criticizing the lack of enforcement of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). With the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to a hazardous 485, the court emphasized immediate action to protect public health.
In a hearing on Friday, the bench, led by Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih, expressed doubts about the ban on heavy vehicle entry into the capital. CCTV footage from 13 major entry points has been demanded to verify compliance. Thirteen lawyers have been appointed to inspect these points and submit a report by November 25. The court also suggested deploying police personnel at these locations to enforce restrictions.
The bench criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for delaying the implementation of GRAP Stages 3 and 4, calling its wait-and-watch approach “completely wrong.” The court reiterated the constitutional obligation of the central and state governments to ensure citizens live in a pollution-free environment.
GRAP Stage 4, triggered when AQI exceeds 450, mandates measures like banning truck entry and halting construction at public projects. However, the lack of strict enforcement has worsened Delhi’s pollution crisis, already compounded by toxic foam in the Yamuna River and dense smog.
The Supreme Court’s decisive intervention highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat this health emergency and bring AQI levels under control.
