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The Supreme Court of India delivered a significant ruling concerning the ongoing air pollution crisis in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The court mandated the continuation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV measures until December 2nd, 2024, with a crucial exception: measures specifically affecting schools will be temporarily suspended. This decision follows concerns raised about the impact of prolonged school closures on students' access to mid-day meals, online learning resources, and air purifiers. The court's commitment to improving air quality is evident, even as it acknowledges the need to balance environmental protection with the educational needs of children. The court's order underlines the urgency of the situation, highlighting the need for swift and decisive action to mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution. The ongoing implementation of GRAP-IV reflects the judicial branch's active role in environmental governance and its determination to hold accountable those responsible for neglecting their duties in the face of this public health emergency.
A key aspect of the ruling centers on the accountability of government officials. The Supreme Court expressed its dissatisfaction with the lackluster implementation of GRAP-IV measures, emphasizing the need for expedited action against officials found to have seriously neglected their responsibilities. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has already issued show-cause notices to key officials, including the Delhi Police Commissioner, MCD Commissioner, and officials from the Delhi transport department, for their failure to comply with orders aimed at reducing air pollution. This decisive action demonstrates the court's commitment to ensuring that those entrusted with implementing environmental regulations are held responsible for their actions or inactions. The Supreme Court’s emphasis on accountability underscores a broader message: effective environmental governance requires not only the establishment of regulations but also the robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure their diligent implementation.
Beyond the immediate focus on Delhi, the Supreme Court's attention extended to the issue of stubble burning in neighboring Punjab. The court took serious note of a media report alleging that certain officials in Punjab had advised farmers to burn stubble after 4 PM to evade satellite detection. While the court did not confirm the veracity of the report, it strongly condemned such practices and demanded immediate action from the Punjab government to prevent such behavior. This highlights the trans-boundary nature of air pollution and the need for coordinated efforts between different states to effectively address the problem. The court's intervention underscores the importance of inter-state cooperation in tackling environmental challenges that transcend jurisdictional boundaries. The court's concern extends beyond immediate action; it advocates for a systemic change in agricultural practices to reduce reliance on harmful stubble burning techniques. The court's actions showcase its willingness to address the root causes of air pollution rather than merely addressing the symptoms.
The court's decision to maintain GRAP-IV measures, albeit with the school exemption, reflects a cautious approach, acknowledging the need for continued vigilance until a sustained improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI) is observed. The court emphasized that any relaxation of GRAP measures below level III or II would only be considered upon demonstrable and consistent improvement in the AQI. This condition ensures that any easing of restrictions is justified by tangible improvements in air quality, preventing premature relaxations that could potentially reverse the progress already made. The court's insistence on data-driven decision making reflects its commitment to scientific evidence and its determination to ensure that the measures taken are effective and sustainable. The court also directed the utilization of the labor cess collected by state governments to support laborers affected by construction bans, ensuring that the burden of environmental regulations is distributed fairly.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court's ruling on Delhi's air pollution represents a multifaceted approach that balances environmental protection with societal needs, emphasizes accountability for regulatory failures, addresses trans-boundary pollution challenges, and prioritizes data-driven decision-making for achieving sustained improvements in air quality. The judgment's impact extends beyond the immediate measures; it sets a precedent for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and inter-state cooperation in managing environmental challenges. The court's persistent scrutiny and commitment to ensuring a cleaner environment for the citizens of Delhi and the NCR is a clear signal of its unwavering dedication to public welfare.
Source: Air pollution: GRAP-4 measures except for schools to continue in Delhi-NCR till December 2, says SC