New Delhi: The Supreme Court has stepped in to address the alarming rise in pollution in Delhi-NCR, calling for immediate implementation of stricter measures under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

On Monday, the court directed that these restrictions must remain in place even if the Air Quality Index (AQI) falls below 450.  

What did the Supreme Court say?  

A bench comprising Justices  Abhay S Oka and  Augustine George Masih pointed out the constitutional duty of all states to ensure citizens live in a pollution-free environment.

"We direct restrictions under Stage 4 of GRAP to continue even if AQI level falls below 450," the bench stated.  

The court criticised the Delhi government and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for delays in implementing GRAP measures.  

"The moment AQI reaches between 300 and 400, Stage 4 has to be invoked. Some sense of urgency needs to be there," the court stressed.  

Immediate measures ordered  

The Supreme Court has ordered Delhi-NCR states to:  

  • Set up teams to enforce GRAP Stage 4 restrictions immediately.  
  • Decide on conducting physical classes for students up to Class 12 amid worsening air quality.  
  • Establish a complaint mechanism to address violations of GRAP measures.  
  • Submit a compliance affidavit by November 22 on the implementation of preventive steps.  

Previously, physical classes were suspended for all students except those in grades 10 and 12. However, under the court’s latest directive, all classes will now transition to online mode to prioritise students' well-being.

The top court warned against delaying action, stating that weather conditions cannot be a reason to avoid implementing GRAP stages. It reminded the authorities of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere.  

What is GRAP?  

First introduced in 2017, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) outlines pollution control measures based on air quality severity:  

  • Stage 1: Poor (AQI 201-300)  
  • Stage 2: Very Poor (AQI 301-400)  
  • Stage 3: Severe (AQI 401-450)  
  • Stage 4: Severe Plus (AQI above 450)  

GRAP Stage 4 includes strict actions such as banning construction at public projects and restricting truck entry into Delhi.  

Current air quality crisis  

On Sunday, Delhi’s AQI hit a staggering 441 at 4 pm and worsened to 457 by 7 pm due to unfavourable weather conditions. Responding to this, the CAQM announced stricter measures, effective from Monday morning.  

Key restrictions under Stage 4 include:  

  • Ban on trucks entering Delhi, except those carrying essential goods or running on clean fuel like LNG, CNG, or BS-VI diesel.  
  • Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are prohibited unless they are EVs or run on CNG or BS-VI diesel.  

(agency inputs)