The Supreme Court of India issued a significant order on Monday, addressing the complex interplay between Delhi-NCR’s crippling air pollution and the ongoing closure of schools. The court, recognizing the hardships faced by many students, particularly those reliant on mid-day meals and lacking adequate access to online education, has instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to immediately assess the possibility of reopening educational institutions. This comes amidst the implementation of GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) IV, a set of stringent measures designed to combat the severe air pollution gripping the region.
The Supreme Court’s decision highlights a delicate balancing act. While acknowledging the detrimental effects of GRAP IV on vulnerable populations, including daily wage earners and laborers who have suffered significant economic losses due to construction bans, the court emphasized that these restrictions will remain in place until a consistent downward trend in the Air Quality Index (AQI) is observed. To ensure transparency and informed decision-making, the court has requested an updated AQI report for Delhi by Wednesday.
The impact on students is a key concern. The court’s directive to the CAQM to urgently evaluate the feasibility of reopening schools underscores the recognition that prolonged school closures disproportionately affect underprivileged children. The lack of access to nutritious mid-day meals and the limitations of online learning in resource-constrained environments raise serious concerns about educational equity and well-being.
Beyond the immediate issue of school closures, the Supreme Court also addressed the broader economic consequences of GRAP IV. The court issued a directive to all relevant states to utilize funds collected as labor cess to provide mitigation measures for laborers and daily wage earners affected by the restrictions. This includes the crucial provision of subsistence allowances during periods when construction work is banned. This proactive measure aims to alleviate the financial burdens placed upon these vulnerable populations as a result of the pollution control measures.
The Supreme Court’s order represents a critical juncture in Delhi’s ongoing struggle with air pollution. The court’s proactive approach, balancing public health concerns with the socio-economic implications of GRAP IV, sets the stage for a crucial period of reassessment and potential adjustments to the existing policies. The coming days will be crucial as the CAQM weighs the evidence and makes recommendations to the court, and as the court awaits crucial updated AQI data to make further decisions.
