Fri Nov 22 08:27:09 UTC 2024: **Delhi’s GRAP-IV Air Pollution Measures Extended Amidst Political Blame Game**
NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court of India has extended GRAP-IV, the most stringent stage of Delhi’s anti-pollution measures, for another 72 hours. The decision comes as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remains at 371, categorized as “very poor.” The court expressed its dissatisfaction with the Delhi government’s enforcement of the ban on trucks carrying non-essential goods, demanding increased monitoring at the city’s 113 border checkpoints. The court will review compliance next Monday and consider potentially easing restrictions to GRAP-II.
GRAP-IV mandates a ban on entry of trucks with non-essential goods, a ban on older diesel vehicles, online schooling, staggered government office hours, and work-from-home encouragement for private firms. The court criticized the government’s delayed implementation of GRAP measures, questioning why stricter measures weren’t enacted sooner despite worsening air quality. The judges also reiterated their condemnation of lax enforcement of the firecracker ban following Diwali.
The ongoing air pollution crisis has become a political battleground. The BJP, Delhi’s opposition party, blamed the AAP government for the poor air quality, highlighting the city’s governance failures. The AAP countered by accusing the central government of inaction on stubble burning in neighboring states and prioritizing politics over pollution control. Atishi, a Delhi minister, specifically cited the BJP’s lack of action against stubble burning in states other than Punjab, where the AAP is also in power. Meanwhile, Delhi residents continue to face hazardous air quality, with health experts warning of increased respiratory illnesses.
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