Taking note of improving Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in Delhi and adjoining areas, the Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to relax the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-IV restrictions to GRAP Stage-II.
However, the bench headed by Justice Abhay S. Oka stated that it would not be appropriate for the CAQM to relax restrictions further below GRAP-II at this stage.
The court suggested that CAQM consider incorporating additional measures from GRAP Stage-III.
The bench, which also included Justice A.G. Masih, noted the submission by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati that AQI levels in the region had dropped below 300 over the past four days.
The Supreme Court instructed CAQM to reimpose GRAP-III restrictions if the AQI crosses 350 and GRAP-IV measures if it exceeds 400 in the coming days.
The court observed that AQI levels had consistently remained above 300 until November 30 and only recently dipped below that threshold.
The matter has been scheduled for a further hearing on December 12.
Earlier, on Monday, the Supreme Court had declined to modify GRAP-IV measures.
“As regards the suggestion for modification of GRAP-IV applicability, we will hear the parties on this aspect on December 5, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. On that day, we will also examine AQI levels to determine whether there is any downward trend,” it had said.
The court had also expressed concern over a “complete lack of coordination” among stakeholders like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Delhi government, the Delhi Police, and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee in implementing GRAP measures.
It emphasized that the CAQM must take responsibility for coordinating the efforts of these entities to ensure proper implementation of GRAP measures.
“The Commission will need to oversee the efforts of all involved agencies and ensure adequate manpower is deployed at entry points,” the court added.
(Inputs from IANS)