New Delhi, November 28, 2024 – The Supreme Court of India has extended the implementation of the GRAP-IV (Graded Response Action Plan – Stage IV) measures to curb air pollution in Delhi until December 2, 2024. The decision comes after serious concerns were raised over the lack of enforcement by local authorities.
GRAP-IV is the most stringent stage of Delhi’s anti-pollution strategy, introduced annually during the winter months when the city faces dangerously high levels of air pollution. Under this plan, construction activities are banned, except for public infrastructure projects, and non-essential goods are prohibited from entering the city via trucks. Trucks carrying such goods are to be stopped at checkpoints on the city’s borders to reduce emissions caused by vehicular traffic and construction dust.
Court Criticizes Non-Compliance, Smuggling of Cement
During Thursday’s hearing, the bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed strong dissatisfaction with reports of smuggling cement inside bags of wheat flour, violating the construction ban. Senior advocate and amicus curiae Aparajita Singh reported that the cement was being disguised as essential goods (wheat flour), undermining the ban on construction activities. The bench reacted sharply, questioning how such activities could still be taking place despite clear orders to halt construction-related activities.
The court emphasized that such illegal practices were directly contributing to the pollution problem and must be immediately stopped. Justice Oka insisted that the authorities take “immediate and effective action” to prevent such smuggling.
Delhi Transport Department Under Fire
The court also criticized the Delhi Transport Department for its failure to stop trucks carrying non-essential goods from entering the city. These goods include construction materials, which, despite the construction ban, continue to be brought into Delhi. The bench made it clear that there could be no exceptions to the GRAP-IV rules, demanding immediate rectification of the oversight.
Hybrid Learning for Schools
On the issue of education, the court allowed schools to continue with a hybrid learning model rather than a full transition to online classes as mandated by GRAP-IV. This exception was made to address the challenges faced by students without reliable internet access. The court acknowledged the difficulties of fully online education, especially for students in underserved areas, and allowed for more flexibility in the mode of teaching during the pollution crisis.
Rising Frustration with Enforcement Lapses
The Supreme Court has repeatedly expressed its frustration with the lack of enforcement of pollution control measures. Despite strict guidelines under GRAP-IV, both the central and Delhi state governments have faced criticism for their inability to properly implement the rules. The court’s latest order underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement to combat the toxic air and safeguard public health.
Outlook for Delhi’s Air Quality
With the extension of GRAP-IV measures, authorities are expected to focus on improving enforcement, particularly at the city’s borders and construction sites. While air quality levels are expected to improve in the short term, the Supreme Court has made it clear that ongoing vigilance will be necessary to keep the pollution levels under control throughout the winter months.
The court’s actions are seen as a critical step in tackling Delhi’s chronic air pollution problem, but the effectiveness of these measures will depend largely on the authorities’ ability to carry them out on the ground. As the city braces for another challenging winter, residents, health experts, and environmental activists alike will be watching closely to see if these measures can bring about real, lasting change.
