Tue Nov 19 01:16:06 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Government Criticized by Supreme Court for Slow Response to Air Pollution Crisis
**New Delhi, India** – The Supreme Court of India on Monday reprimanded the Delhi government for its slow response to the escalating air pollution crisis in the national capital. The court’s rebuke came during the hearing of a petition addressing the alarming pollution levels.
The court stressed the urgent need for the implementation of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Stage 4 restrictions whenever the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpasses 300. It highlighted the dangerous consequences of delaying these crucial measures. Even if the AQI falls below 450, the court mandated that Stage 4 restrictions should remain in place and that no relaxations should be implemented without prior court approval.
Delhi and surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) states have been ordered to submit a report detailing their actions to combat air pollution by November 22nd.
The court also expressed concern over the limitations of current data collection methods regarding crop residue burning, a major contributor to the pollution. It noted that data from NASA satellites currently provides only partial daily information and suggested utilizing geostationary satellites for comprehensive daily data collection.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the central government of playing politics in addressing the pollution crisis, alleging that it is failing to curb crop residue burning in BJP-ruled states like Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, while singling out AAP-ruled Punjab for effective control.
First Piper 