Supreme Court Refuses GRAP IV Relaxation Amid Delhi’s Air Crisis
The Supreme Court of India has refused to grant any relaxation under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) IV for Delhi, citing the city’s persistent air pollution issues.
The bench emphasized the need for a consistent downward trend in the Air Quality Index (AQI) before any reconsideration of restrictions.
SC’s Firm Stance on Delhi’s Air Pollution
“We cannot permit relaxation under GRAP IV without seeing a consistent downward trend in the AQI,” the bench remarked during the hearing. The apex court underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that public health must remain a priority as Delhi grapples with hazardous air quality levels.
No Immediate Relief Despite Marginal AQI Improvement
While the AQI has shown slight improvement in recent days, the court noted that isolated instances of better air quality do not warrant policy adjustments. Officials were urged to ensure strict compliance with GRAP IV measures until a significant and sustained improvement in air quality is observed.
Focus on Long-Term Solutions
The court also highlighted the need for systemic solutions to address air pollution, urging authorities to adopt measures that ensure lasting improvements rather than temporary fixes. Industries and transport sectors, identified as major contributors to pollution, were called upon to intensify their mitigation efforts.
The decision comes as Delhi continues to battle severe air pollution, with the AQI frequently crossing hazardous levels, posing serious health risks to residents. The apex court’s stance reinforces the importance of stringent measures to protect public health and the environment.
