Mon Nov 18 18:00:12 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Slams Delhi Government Over “Severe Plus” Air Quality
**New Delhi –** The Supreme Court of India today sharply criticized the Delhi government for its delayed response to the city’s worsening air pollution, questioning why anti-pollution measures weren’t implemented sooner. Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) reached a “severe plus” level of 481 this morning – the highest this season – forcing the implementation of Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The court’s rebuke came during a hearing on a petition demanding stricter enforcement of pollution control measures. Justices questioned the delay in action, asking why the government waited for the AQI to surpass 300 before taking significant steps.
Most of Delhi’s 35 air quality monitoring stations reported AQI readings exceeding 400, with Dwarka recording the highest at 499. The alarming levels prompted the activation of Stage 4 of GRAP, indicating the most stringent pollution control measures are now in effect. The situation marks the first time this season that Delhi has experienced “severe plus” air quality.
First Piper 