Supreme Court Extends GRAP-4 Measures in Delhi for Three Days to Address Severe Air Pollution
The Supreme Court has mandated the extension of GRAP-4 anti-pollution measures in Delhi for an additional three days, citing the urgent need to address hazardous air quality and safeguard public health.
Supreme Court Extends GRAP-4 Measures in Delhi to Tackle Escalating Air Pollution
In a crucial decision, the Supreme Court of India has ordered the continuation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) in Delhi for at least three more days to address the worsening air quality in the national capital. The directive comes after the court assessed the pressing environmental situation and the need for stringent actions to curb alarming pollution levels.
GRAP-4, a set of emergency measures designed to counter severe air quality conditions, has been in effect in Delhi for several days. The plan includes strict restrictions such as shutting down construction sites, halting operations of coal and biomass-based industries, and banning the use of diesel generator sets. Additionally, the Delhi government has been urged to reduce vehicular traffic, particularly diesel vehicles, and to enhance the use of dust control machines.
Delhi Enforces GRAP-4 Restrictions as AQI Surges Beyond 450, Halting Major Projects
On Monday, the Delhi government implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4) after the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 450 for the first time this season. The stringent measures include halting physical classes and banning all construction activities. Major infrastructure projects, including highways, roads, flyovers, power lines, pipelines, and other public works, have been paused during the GRAP-4 restriction period.
Key GRAP-4 Restrictions Issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management
- Truck Entry Restrictions: Entry of trucks into Delhi is banned, except those carrying essential goods or services. LNG, CNG, electric, and BSVI diesel trucks are exempt.
- Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs): LCVs registered outside Delhi, except for EVs, CNG, or BSVI diesel vehicles, are prohibited unless carrying essential items.
- Diesel Goods Vehicles: Medium and heavy diesel goods vehicles (BS III and below) registered in Delhi are banned, except those carrying essential commodities or providing essential services.
- Construction and Development: A complete ban is in place on construction activities, including linear public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, power transmission lines, and pipelines.
- Schools and Offices: NCR state governments and Delhi authorities may opt for online classes for students from grades VI–IX and XI. They can also mandate 50% attendance for employees in public, municipal, and private offices, with the rest working from home.
- Central Government Measures: The central government is advised to allow work-from-home arrangements for its employees.
- Additional Emergency Measures: State governments are encouraged to consider additional steps like closing colleges, shutting non-essential commercial activities, or implementing an odd-even vehicle scheme.
Major Projects Affected
The ban on construction and development activities has stalled several private and government projects, including:
- CRPF Headquarters Building: Construction on Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
- Anand Vihar-Tilak Bridge Expansion: Construction of the third and fourth railway lines.
- ITI Shahdara: Work on additional buildings and workshops.
- Delhi Metro Projects: All ongoing metro construction across the city.
- Delhi–Meerut RRTS: Construction under the Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System project.
These measures underscore the gravity of Delhi’s air pollution crisis and the immediate need for coordinated efforts to address the public health emergency.
