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Tue Nov 19 06:15:04 UTC 2024: ## Delhi High Court Orders Strict Implementation of Graded Response Action Plan Amidst Severe Air Pollution

**New Delhi:** The Delhi High Court on Monday ordered the strict implementation of the fourth stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), citing severely deteriorated air quality. A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih directed the Delhi and NCR states to immediately form teams to oversee necessary actions under GRAP. The court also mandated online classes for schools up to the 12th standard. The fourth stage of GRAP will remain in effect until further notice, even if the Air Quality Index (AQI) improves from the severe category. The court further directed all NCR states and the central government to submit affidavits on the matter, questioning the three-day delay in implementing the fourth stage despite worsening pollution levels.

Delhi’s AQI reached a dangerous 481 on Monday morning, with dense smog reducing visibility to just 150 meters. The Delhi government has already ordered online classes for schools up to the 9th standard and made masks mandatory for students of 10th and 12th standards. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged the elderly and those with health issues to stay indoors. The poor visibility also impacted air travel, with delays and diversions reported for Indigo and SpiceJet flights.

The High Court’s intervention comes as Delhi grapples with critically hazardous air quality for the past six days.