Delhi air pollution : The Supreme Court on Monday raised questions over the laxity of the Delhi government in taking measures to prevent pollution under GRAP-4. The court reprimanded and said, without prior permission, no permission will be given to remove or reduce the measures to prevent or reduce pollution. Justice Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih said that even after the air quality index (AQI) in the national capital reached hazardous levels, there was a delay in the implementation of preventive measures under Phase 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Earlier, at the beginning of the hearing, Delhi government’s counsel told the bench that the fourth phase of GRAP has been implemented in Delhi from Monday. Under which the entry of heavy vehicles into the national capital has been banned. The bench then told the lawyer that when the AQI reaches between 300 and 400, Step 4 should be implemented. How can you delay the 4 steps of GRAP? The court said that we want to know what measures they have taken to stop the dangerous increase in pollution levels?
Detailed hearing of the case at the end of the working day
The bench said, even if AQI goes below 300, we will not allow any relaxation in preventive measures under Phase 4. Phase 4 will continue until the court gives permission. The bench said that the matter will be heard in detail at the end of that day’s proceedings.
Strict pollution control measures implemented for Delhi-NCR
Earlier, the Central Air Quality Committee had taken stringent steps to control pollution for Delhi-NCR under the fourth phase of GRAP. These restrictions have been implemented from 8 am on Monday. Under which the entry of trucks has been banned and public construction projects have been temporarily stopped.
Agreed on immediate listing on 14th November
Earlier on November 14, the Supreme Court had agreed to list this petition immediately. The court was told that due to increasing pollution, Delhi is moving towards becoming the most polluted city in the world. This should not happen at all.
