Delhi and its surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) remain under strict anti-pollution measures, with the Supreme Court reaffirming that the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV) will remain in force for at least 72 more hours. The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stands at 371, firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, as concerns about enforcement and long-term solutions dominate the discourse.
Supreme Court’s Tough Stance
The Supreme Court, led by Justice Abhay S Oka, emphasized maintaining control over the rollback of GRAP levels, stating it will review compliance with orders by the Delhi government on Monday. Any decision to ease restrictions, such as moving to GRAP-III or GRAP-II, will hinge on the city’s progress in addressing the pollution crisis.
Justice Oka highlighted enforcement issues, particularly with the entry of trucks into the NCR. Under GRAP-IV, trucks and commercial vehicles carrying non-essential goods are banned from entering the region, but implementation has been questioned. The court demanded detailed plans and expert monitoring at 113 border checkpoints to ensure compliance, dismissing the Delhi government’s earlier claims as “arbitrary” and “meaningless.”
GRAP-IV Measures in Effect
Transport Restrictions: Entry of non-essential trucks and commercial vehicles is prohibited. BS-IV and older diesel vehicles are also barred.
Education and Work: Schools have shifted to online mode, and private offices are encouraged to allow remote work. Government offices have implemented staggered timings.