On Monday, the Supreme Court sharply criticized the Delhi government for its delay in enforcing Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) aimed at curbing the alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the capital. In its hearing, the court expressed its dissatisfaction with the delay, proposing that no relaxation of Stage IV measures should occur without its express permission, even if AQI levels fall below 300. This intervention underlines the court’s growing concerns about the state’s response to the ongoing air pollution crisis.

A bench consisting of Justices A S Oka and A G Masih heard a plea on enforcing stricter measures to improve air quality, with Justice Oka emphasizing, “We are making it very clear that you will not go below Stage 4 without our permission now, even if AQI goes below 300.” The court’s directive reflected its commitment to taking a tough stance on the implementation of the necessary measures, underscoring the urgency of addressing the pollution crisis.

Delhi Government’s Response and Court’s Scrutiny

In response to the court’s queries, the Delhi government’s counsel informed the bench that Stage IV restrictions had been implemented starting Monday. These include the ban on trucks entering the city, except for those carrying essential goods or providing essential services. However, the bench raised concerns about the delay in imposing these measures, questioning why Stage IV wasn’t enforced when the AQI first reached hazardous levels.

The Delhi government’s counsel explained that authorities had waited for a few days to monitor AQI levels, expecting a natural improvement. Justice Oka was quick to criticize this approach, pointing out that the severity of the pollution crisis warranted an immediate response, stating, “The state cannot afford delays in such matters.” The court further demanded a comprehensive report detailing the actions the Delhi government had taken thus far to mitigate the air pollution crisis and improve the city’s air quality.

Stage IV GRAP Measures Now in Effect

Following the Supreme Court’s scrutiny, Stage IV restrictions have now been enforced in Delhi-NCR. These measures, which target the most severe levels of air pollution, include the following:

• Suspension of construction and demolition activities that generate harmful dust particles.
• A ban on the operation of private BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles in the city.
• Restrictions on inter-state buses, with exceptions for electric, CNG, and BS-VI-compliant vehicles.
• Possible implementation of the Odd-Even vehicle scheme to limit the number of cars on the roads.

Before Stage IV restrictions were imposed, the Delhi government had already activated Stage III measures on November 14, which included shifting junior classes to online learning to protect students from exposure to toxic air. These steps reflect the growing urgency in tackling the ongoing air pollution crisis, with authorities now focusing on more stringent actions to curb pollution levels.

Court’s Continued Monitoring and Increased Scrutiny

The Supreme Court has made it clear that it will continue to closely monitor the situation and revisit the case in the coming days. The court’s vigilance underscores its determination to ensure that the Delhi government and other authorities strictly comply with anti-pollution measures, focusing not only on short-term relief but also on long-term solutions to address the city’s chronic air quality issues.

The court’s intervention signals a shift toward more proactive and transparent governance in handling the air pollution crisis. By insisting on a detailed account of the measures taken and demanding stricter enforcement of GRAP, the Supreme Court is holding the Delhi government accountable and urging faster, more decisive action.

Public Health Implications and Broader Concerns

As the pollution crisis continues to disrupt daily life in Delhi-NCR, public health experts have raised alarms about the long-term impacts of prolonged exposure to hazardous air. With AQI levels in the “severe” category, residents face significant risks of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular issues, and exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions. Hospitals in the region have reported an uptick in patients suffering from pollution-related ailments, further stressing the need for urgent and effective government action.

Additionally, the ongoing air quality crisis has sparked widespread concern about the effectiveness of current policies in managing pollution and the long-term sustainability of urban development. Environmental advocates are calling for increased investment in clean technologies, stricter emissions standards, and improved urban planning to reduce pollution levels in the future.

In the coming weeks, as the city continues to battle extreme air quality, the role of both the Delhi government and the judiciary will be crucial in shaping the trajectory of the pollution crisis and ensuring a healthier, cleaner environment for the city’s residents.