 |
|
The Supreme Court of India recently found itself at the center of a stark irony while addressing the critical issue of Delhi's alarming air pollution levels. The court, hearing petitions concerning the city's toxic air quality, was sharply questioning the authorities' delays in implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), a crucial strategy designed to mitigate air pollution based on the severity of the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI in Delhi had soared to well over 450, firmly placing it in the 'severe plus' category, indicating hazardous air conditions that posed significant health risks to the city's residents. The judges' frustration was palpable as they pressed the Commission for Air Quality Management and the Delhi government for answers about the sluggish enforcement of GRAP 4, a set of stringent measures designed for extreme pollution levels. The situation highlighted the urgent need for effective action and the apparent failings in the implementation of already existing measures.
The proceedings took an unexpected turn when senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing one of the petitioners, made a startling revelation. He pointed out that construction work was actively underway on the Supreme Court premises itself, despite a court-mandated ban on construction activities as part of GRAP 4. The construction, involving the breaking of stones and generating significant dust, directly contradicted the very measures the court was enforcing. This revelation shocked Justice Oka and Justice Masih, leading to an immediate summons for the Secretary General of the Supreme Court to explain the situation. The incident underscored the hypocrisy and the lack of consistent enforcement, even within the highest court's own jurisdiction. It served as a powerful illustration of the challenges faced in implementing impactful policies to combat air pollution – highlighting the fact that even high-profile institutions can inadvertently contribute to the very problems they seek to solve.
In response to the overall shortcomings in implementing GRAP, the Supreme Court took a firm stance. It criticized the 'wrong approach' taken by authorities in implementing the restrictions, emphasizing that proactive measures were necessary instead of reactive responses to improving AQI. The court explicitly mandated the continuation of GRAP 4 restrictions, even if the AQI momentarily dropped below the 450 threshold. This decision underscores the court's resolve to address the problem effectively and its understanding that temporary improvements in AQI do not necessarily reflect a sustained improvement in air quality. The court further directed all states within the National Capital Region (NCR) to strictly enforce GRAP 4 restrictions and establish robust monitoring committees to ensure compliance. The court also instructed all relevant state and central governments to submit compliance affidavits by Thursday, underscoring the seriousness with which the issue is being handled and demanding accountability for effective implementation of the court's orders.
The event highlights a systemic failure in the implementation of environmental regulations in Delhi. While the court's intervention is crucial, the larger problem lies in the lack of effective coordination and enforcement across various levels of government. The incident within the Supreme Court itself starkly reveals the difficulty in maintaining consistency in policy implementation, even when regulations are in place. This case serves as a reminder that addressing complex environmental issues such as air pollution requires more than just policy creation; it necessitates consistent enforcement, inter-agency coordination, and a commitment to transparent accountability. The long-term solution requires not only stricter regulations but also a fundamental shift in attitude towards environmental responsibility, cutting across all levels of society, including those within the most powerful institutions.
Source: Supreme Court Asks About Delhi Construction Ban. Lawyer's Reply Stuns Judge