The Supreme Court of India today issued a sharp rebuke to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its perceived inaction in addressing Delhi’s escalating air pollution crisis. The court expressed significant displeasure over the delay in invoking Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a crucial set of measures designed to mitigate pollution levels in the National Capital Region (NCR). The deteriorating air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the ‘severe plus’ category and reaching levels exceeding 450 in certain areas, prompted the court’s strong intervention.
The court’s criticism highlighted the inadequacy of the current response and underscored the urgent need for more effective pollution control measures. In a significant move, the Supreme Court indicated its intention to mandate the continued implementation of Stage 4 of GRAP, even if the AQI were to fall below the 400 mark. This unprecedented decision signals a zero-tolerance approach to air pollution and aims to ensure sustained improvements in air quality.
The judges emphasized that any scaling down of preventive measures under GRAP, irrespective of whether it’s Stage 3 or 4, would require explicit permission from the court itself. This underlines the seriousness with which the court views the issue and its commitment to holding authorities accountable for their actions or inaction concerning Delhi’s air quality.
The hearing also addressed the implementation of existing GRAP restrictions. The court sought a detailed report from the Delhi government on the steps taken to enforce the curbs outlined in Stages 3 and 4 of the plan. The matter has been adjourned, with the next hearing scheduled for the end of the court’s list, to allow time for the government to provide a comprehensive update.
Adding to the severity of the situation, low visibility caused by dense fog has already begun impacting air travel. Delhi Airport authorities confirmed that five flights, including four from Jaipur and one from Dehradun, were diverted due to poor visibility conditions. This disruption underscores the far-reaching consequences of the severe air pollution affecting the region.
The Supreme Court’s strong stance signals a potential paradigm shift in the approach to air pollution management in Delhi. The court’s determination to maintain stringent pollution control measures, even when AQI levels temporarily improve, highlights the urgency of the situation and its commitment to ensuring the long-term health and well-being of Delhi’s residents. The coming days will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of the court’s directives and the CAQM’s response to the situation.
