Delhi Air Pollution | Supreme Court Advises Use Of Masks Amid 'Severe+' Air Quality In Delhi-NCR

The Supreme Court has issued a circular calling for strict adherence to preventive health measures, including wearing masks, as air quality in Delhi-NCR continues to deteriorate.

Referring to an order by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) dated November 17, 2024, the circular highlights the implementation of Stage-IV ('Severe+' Air Quality) measures under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

“Everyone is, therefore, advised to ensure wearing of mask and taking health measures mentioned in the aforesaid order”, the circular reads.

The CAQM invoked Stage-IV measures following a significant rise in AQI levels, which crossed 450 on November 17, 2024. The Sub-Committee for GRAP observed that the air quality was likely to remain in the “Severe+” category due to unfavourable meteorological conditions, including heavy fog and stagnant winds.

Stage-IV measures include:

1. Entry of trucks into Delhi is restricted, except for those carrying essential commodities or services. Only LNG, CNG, electric, or BS-VI diesel trucks are allowed.

2. Light commercial vehicles (LCVs) from outside Delhi, except EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel vehicles, are prohibited unless transporting essential goods or services.

3. Strict prohibition on the operation of Delhi-registered BS-IV and below diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles, except for essential services.

4. Prohibition of construction and demolition (C&D) activities, including linear public projects like highways, flyovers, and pipelines.

5. NCR states and Delhi government may shift physical classes to online mode.

6. Public, municipal, and private offices may operate at 50 percent capacity, with the rest working from home. The Central Government may consider work-from-home arrangements.

7. States may close colleges, limit non-emergency commercial activities, and implement odd-even vehicle schemes.

8. Vulnerable groups, including children, elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, are advised to avoid outdoor activities.

The Supreme Court today mandated the continued implementation of Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR, even if the Air Quality Index (AQI) falls below the severe threshold of 450. The Court criticised the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for delayed enforcement of pollution control measures.

The Court noted that while AQI crossed critical levels earlier, GRAP-III and GRAP-IV measures were enforced only after significant delays, contradicting prior directives.

The court directed governments of NCR states to strictly enforce Stage-IV measures, including monitoring teams and a grievance redressal mechanism for violations.

The Court directed the Union Government and CAQM are to procure data from stationary satellites to monitor farm fires, enabling prompt state-level interventions.

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