Supreme Court Urges Urgent Review of School Closures Amid Pollution Crisis
On Monday, the Supreme Court directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to urgently assess whether any relaxations could be made regarding the suspension of physical classes in schools and colleges due to ongoing air pollution concerns.
The court underscored the need to consider the broader implications of the closure, particularly for students who rely on the mid-day meal scheme and those without access to online learning or air purifiers at home. The ruling highlights the delicate balance between public health measures and educational access during times of environmental crisis.
GRAP-4 Measures to Continue Until AQI Improves
While urging the CAQM to explore possible relaxations, the court made it clear that the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) measures would remain in place until a consistent improvement in air quality is observed. It specifically requested updated air quality index (AQI) data for Delhi by Wednesday, when the matter is scheduled for further review.
The Supreme Court also called on the CAQM to consider providing assistance to daily wage workers and laborers who have been impacted by the construction ban imposed under GRAP-4. The court recommended that states provide subsistence allowances to ease the financial strain on these vulnerable groups during the period of restrictions.
Delhi’s Air Quality Update
The air quality in Delhi showed a slight improvement on Monday, with the AQI reaching a ‘poor’ status of 281 at 9 AM, down from 318 recorded at 4 PM the previous day, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The AQI scale categorizes 201-300 as ‘poor,’ 301-400 as ‘very poor,’ and above 400 as ‘severe.’
Despite this improvement, 15 of Delhi’s 39 monitoring stations still recorded AQI readings in the ‘very poor’ category. Shadipur, in particular, reported the highest AQI at 353, underscoring the ongoing pollution challenges faced by the city.
Weather and Pollution Outlook
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Delhi’s minimum temperature was 14°C, which is 2.7°C above the typical seasonal average. The IMD also forecasted moderate fog during the mornings and nights, with daytime temperatures expected to peak around 28°C, adding to the potential for further air pollution accumulation during the winter months.
Supreme Court’s Previous Criticism of Delhi Government
This week’s ruling follows a critical statement from the Supreme Court last week, when it criticized the Delhi government for not adequately enforcing the GRAP-4 measures. The court had particularly highlighted the issue of trucks entering the city, calling for immediate implementation of check posts at 113 key entry points to restrict pollution from vehicular emissions.
As Delhi continues to grapple with the dual challenges of air pollution and public health, the Supreme Court’s intervention emphasizes the need for a multi-faceted approach that safeguards both the environment and the well-being of its citizens.
