Mon Nov 18 07:18:49 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Rebukes Delhi Government for Delayed Anti-Pollution Measures
**New Delhi, November 18, 2024** – The Supreme Court today sharply criticized the Delhi government for its delayed implementation of stricter anti-pollution measures under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) stage 4, as Delhi’s air quality remains in the “severe” category. The court warned it will not permit any scaling back of these measures without its explicit permission.
The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, noted the delay in enacting GRAP-4 despite Delhi’s AQI reaching alarming levels. While the Delhi government’s counsel argued that stage 4, including a ban on heavy vehicles entering the city, was implemented today, the court questioned the government’s inaction, emphasizing the urgency of implementing measures once the AQI reaches between 300 and 400.
The court demanded a detailed explanation of the government’s actions to combat the worsening pollution. It explicitly stated that GRAP-4 measures will remain in effect until further notice, even if the AQI dips below 450.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced the stricter GRAP-4 measures on Sunday, effective from Monday morning. These measures include a ban on most truck entries and a temporary halt to construction on public projects. Only trucks carrying essential goods and using clean fuel are exempt. Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also banned, with similar exceptions for clean fuel vehicles.
The AQI reached 441 on Sunday afternoon and climbed to 457 by evening, prompting the CAQM’s action. The Supreme Court is hearing a plea seeking comprehensive measures to tackle air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas, highlighting the fundamental right to a pollution-free environment as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution.
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