A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed serious concerns over delays in implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
![[BREAKING] 'Why So Late In Implementing Strict Measures': Supreme Court Pulls Up Delhi Govt Over Air Pollution](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-15-1.png?resize=300%2C180&ssl=1)
NEW DELHI: On Monday(18th Nov), the Supreme Court heard a plea seeking the enforcement of measures to curb air pollution in Delhi and surrounding areas.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed serious concerns over delays in implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
Justice Oka questioned the Delhi counsel, stating, “Why was the GRAP mechanism not invoked? How can you risk delaying such critical measures?” In response to the counsel’s clarification that stage 4 of GRAP was now in effect, the bench emphasized that the Delhi government must not lower it without court approval, even if the Air Quality Index (AQI) improves below 300.
The bench remarked, “We are making it clear that you will not go below stage 4 without our permission.”
The matter was adjourned for further hearing later in the day.
The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Delhi government over the worsening air quality in the national capital.
“Why did we wait for the air quality index to cross 300…How could the government take such a risk?”
Atishi Slams Centre Over “Inaction” On Stubble Burning
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi hit out at the central government on Monday, accusing it of “inaction” and “politics on pollution” after the air quality in the national capital worsens and plunges into the ‘severe plus’ category.
According to Atishi, the stubbing burning incidents have been increased in the last six years in Madhya Pradesh.
“What has centre done to curb this?,” she questioned.
Previous Hearings on Delhi Air Pollution
On November 14, the Supreme Court agreed to urgently hear the plea following senior advocate Aparajita Singh’s request, citing the need to address Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. The court noted the city’s risk of becoming one of the most polluted globally and directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to detail its actions.
In a prior session on November 11, the court took a strong stance against violations of its firecracker ban during Diwali, observing that no religion advocates pollution-causing activities. It urged the Delhi government to consider extending the firecracker ban year-round within two weeks. Stressing citizens’ constitutional right to a pollution-free environment under Article 21, the bench called for decisive actions to protect public health.
Read Previous Reports On Air Pollution
