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The Supreme Court of India has recently made the decision to prolong the implementation of Stage 4 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi. This extension, aimed at combating the severe air pollution plaguing the city, will remain in effect until December 2nd, 2024. However, a key exception has been made: schools will remain open, unlike other measures put in place under GRAP Stage 4. This decision follows a comprehensive review of a report which indicated substantial shortcomings in the enforcement of these restrictions by the relevant authorities. The report, submitted by court-appointed commissioners, highlighted a considerable failure on the part of the authorities to effectively implement the mandated measures under GRAP Stage 4. This lack of effective implementation was a significant factor in the court’s decision to continue the stringent measures, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih, presiding over the case, expressed their deep concern regarding the inadequacies in the enforcement of GRAP Stage 4 measures. While upholding the continuation of these measures, they acknowledged the possibility of future discussions regarding a transition to less stringent stages of the GRAP (III or II) depending on evolving air quality assessments. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has been entrusted with the responsibility of closely monitoring the air quality and providing the court with timely recommendations based on its analysis. The court clarified that the removal of all GRAP IV measures is not necessarily required at this juncture, as some measures may still be vital for mitigating air pollution. The court’s approach reflects a balance between the urgency of addressing air pollution and the need for measured responses based on ongoing data analysis.
A particularly troubling aspect of the case involved allegations of misconduct by officials in Punjab, a neighboring state. A media report alleged that a land record officer in Punjab advised farmers to engage in crop stubble burning after 4 PM, a time when satellite surveillance might be less effective in detecting such activities. While the court did not explicitly verify the accuracy of this report, it acknowledged the seriousness of the matter should the allegations prove true. Such actions would constitute a serious breach of regulations aimed at curbing pollution. Consequently, the court has directed the Punjab government to issue stringent instructions to prevent any future instances of such behavior. The court’s emphasis on accountability underscores the importance of preventing officials from aiding farmers in circumventing the stipulated regulations related to stubble burning. This incident highlights the broader challenge of implementing environmental regulations across state boundaries and the need for inter-state cooperation to address the issue effectively.
The GRAP Stage 4 restrictions themselves primarily focus on limiting the entry of trucks carrying non-essential goods into Delhi. This measure aims to reduce vehicular emissions, a major contributor to air pollution in the city. The GRAP system, initially established in 2017, operates on a tiered approach, classifying air pollution measures based on the severity of pollution levels. As air quality deteriorates, increasingly stringent measures are implemented, ensuring a graded response to the evolving environmental challenges. The system’s layered approach allows for a more targeted and flexible response based on real-time air quality data. The extension of GRAP Stage 4 highlights the persistent severity of Delhi's air pollution problem and the ongoing efforts to find effective solutions.
The court's decision to extend GRAP Stage 4 restrictions while keeping schools open presents a nuanced approach to managing the complex challenge of air pollution. The decision to prioritize the educational needs of children alongside the urgency of reducing air pollution highlights the difficulties involved in balancing competing societal demands during environmental crises. The ongoing monitoring by the CAQM and the strong emphasis on the prevention of unlawful stubble burning underscore the multi-faceted approach required for effective air pollution control. The case also underscores the importance of inter-state cooperation and accountability in tackling widespread environmental challenges that transcend administrative boundaries. The successful implementation of these measures will require continued cooperation and vigilance from various agencies and stakeholders across different jurisdictions. The effectiveness of the GRAP system and its future adaptations will be a critical factor in determining the long-term success of Delhi’s air pollution mitigation efforts.
Source: GRAP stage 4 measures to continue in Delhi till Monday, schools to remain open