How can you justify taking risks?” Supreme Court criticizes Delhi government for worsening pollution levels
On Monday, the Supreme Court criticized the Delhi government for its delay in implementing Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), despite the significant rise in pollution levels in the capital.
A bench consisting of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih noted the delay in activating Stage 4 measures, even though the Air Quality Index (AQI) had reached hazardous levels in the city.
The Delhi government’s counsel informed the bench that Stage 4 had been enforced from Monday, including a ban on heavy vehicles entering Delhi.
The court stressed that it would not allow any relaxation of preventive measures under Stage 4, even if the AQI falls below 450.
“The moment the AQI reaches between 300 and 400, Stage 4 should be enforced. How can you afford to delay its implementation?” the bench remarked.
The court directed the Delhi government to provide a detailed explanation of the steps taken to tackle the escalating pollution levels.
