Supreme Court slams Delhi's AAP government for not doing enough to deal with severe pollution

Supreme Court has slammed Delhi’s Aam Aadmi party-led government for not enforcing Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) even as New Delhi has been experiencing an alarming rise in pollution levels.

Highlighting the delay in implementing stage 4 measures of the GRAP despite the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching critical levels in the national capital, a bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed concern over the situation.

The counsel for the Delhi government informed the bench that stage 4 of GRAP measures would be in force by Monday onwards, which includes a ban on heavy vehicles entering the national capital.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, 401 and 450 “severe” and above 450 “severe plus.”

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The top court stated that it would not allow any reduction in the preventive measures under stage 4 of GRAP, even if the AQI drops below 450.

“The moment the AQI reaches between 300 and 400, stage 4 has to be invoked. How can you take risk in these matters by delaying applicability of stage 4 of GRAP,” the bench said.

The SC also directed the Delhi government to explain the steps it has taken to address the alarming rise in pollution levels.

The implementation of GRAP Stage 4, the strictest level of anti-pollution measures under the Graded Response Action Plan, has drawn significant attention.

The government led by Chief Minister Atishi Marlena introduced the measures Monday morning at 8 am.

Delhi CM Atishi announced that starting Monday, all schools will shift to online classes, except for students in Classes 10 and 12.

“With the imposition of GRAP-4, physical classes will remain suspended until further notice,” she said in an official statement.

The action plan outlines eight measures, including a ban on the entry of BS-IV and below diesel-powered medium and heavy vehicles into Delhi, except for those carrying essential goods or offering emergency services.

It also prohibits construction and demolition activities, with exceptions for critical infrastructure projects like metro rail, hospitals, railways, and defense.