GRAP-4 Anti-Pollution Restrictions To Stay Until Further Order: Supreme Court Pulls Up Delhi

As Delhi gasps for air, the Supreme Court of India pulled up authorities over the delay in implementing strict restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat the polluted air.

The top court also told the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Delhi government that restrictions under Stage 4 of GRAP must not be relaxed without the court’s permission even if the Air Quality Index (AQI) drops below 300. GRAP-4 is enforced when the AQI crosses the 450 mark.

Also Read | No Physical Classes In Delhi Except Classes 10 And 12, Delhi Under GRAP-4

The capital’s air quality plunged to ‘severe plus’ for the first time this year on Sunday night, following which the government enforced GRAP-4, an antipollution plan. Delhi’s AQI was recorded over 400, with Dwarka reporting the highest at a dangerous 499.

The bench further questioned the authorities why GRAP 3 was implemented three days after the AQI surpassed the 300 mark. When the Centre’s counsel replied that they were tracking whether there would be a dip, the apex court asked, “Once it reaches, it has to be invoked… how can the applicability of stage 3 be delayed anyhow… how can you wait for three days?”

GRAP-4

As Delhites woke up today, a thick layer of smog enveloped the national capital. Flight operations and train services have been hit as visibility at Palam dropped to 150 meters at 5 am.

Under GRAP-4, no trucks will be allowed into the national capital except those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (CNG/LNG/BS-VI diesel/electric).

Construction activities, including highways, roads, flyovers, pipelines, and other government projects, have been put on hold.

Offline classes have been suspended for all except students in Class 10 and 12.

Public and private offices have been recommended to work at 50 percent capacity with the rest working from home. As per reports, a work-from home option may be introduced for central government employees as well.

Also Read | Explained: Why Is Delhi Air So Polluted?

As per a government release, it may undertake emergency measures in the coming days. Odd-even vehicle rules may also be implemented in Delhi-NCR. Colleges could also be closed, along with nonessential commercial activities being limited.

Around 38 percent of the pollution in the national capital this year has been caused by stubble burning in the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana.