It has been a very important day as the Supreme Court eased stringent anti-pollution measures in the National Capital, which brought about the Graded Response Action Plan from Stage IV to Stage II.
Supreme Court intervenes with improved AQI levels
The Supreme Court, on Thursday, December 5, 2024, granted relaxation of the restrictions imposed under GRAP by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as the Air Quality Index (AQI) improved. The Bench consisting of Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih conceded that better air quality was prevailing since November 30 and noted that the average AQI was below the 300 mark for the last couple of days.
The Bench said:
“Though the downward trend in AQI is encouraging, measures on Stage III should be enforced if AQI crosses the 350 mark. The moment AQI crosses the 400 mark, stage IV measures must be implemented again.”
From GRAP-IV to GRAP-II: What It Means for Delhi
The strictest restrictions of Stage IV of GRAP are the complete ban on BS-IV diesel vehicles, except for essential services, and stopping all construction work. Although it has eased out to Stage II, most of the strict restrictions have been diluted so that normalcy is seen in the lives of Delhiites.
In addition, Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati for CAQM contended that with the improvement in AQI level measures undertaken at Stage IV became no more necessary. She further submitted that improvement in pollution levels were basically on account of benign meteorological conditions.
Continued Surveillance and Suggestions
Constant checking is required for quality of air in Delhi, that has been observed The SC observed today while pronouncing its verdict on the set of petitions challenging the relaxation granted in implementing the new GRAP does not aggravate.
The Court has prohibited the authorities from mentioning the names of court-appointed commissioners while releasing show-cause notices, issued for violations of GRAP. Commissioners will also be monitoring the implementation of GRAP and filing their report with the Court.
Delhi’s Air Pollution: An Unrelenting Crisis
Air pollution remains a critical issue in the city of Delhi, even with the recent improvement. The city’s AQI, placed in the ‘moderate’ category at 161 on December 5, was seen to have oscillated between ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ post-Diwali, spreading various health problems.
Major causes of air pollution in Delhi are:
Stubble Burning: Stubble burning in places like Punjab and Haryana is still a major source of pollution. Different schemes are already designed to enhance use of this crop residue toward industrial purposes.
Thermal Power Plant: A center for research in energy and clean air reports show that emissions in this particular site highly responsible for different forms of pollution.
Weathers: Light winds combine with a cold air layer; the more problematic it gets because the pollutants cannot get out through it.
Key Steps Under GRAP Phases
GRAP-II Bans diesel generator sets and enhanced mechanised road cleaning
GRAP-III Bans construction work and begins parking charges
GRAP-IV Bans industrial operation and vehicular movement totally not required
The future end
The Supreme Court will further consider the issue on 12 December 2024 and watch the situation in future. Meanwhile, the authorities and citizens have to see the city air not to deteriorate further.
In the midst of such a scenario with the national capital facing air pollution challenges, this brief respite provides hope but sets the agenda for long-term remedies for the sake of public health.
