The pollution level in Delhi was recorded in the hazardous category for the 5th consecutive day.
The Supreme Court on Monday directed governments in Delhi-NCR to take a decision to close schools up to class 12 due to the serious pollution situation. All necessary restrictions from Steps 3 and 4 of the Graduated Response Action Plan (GRAP) must be implemented to lower the AQI level.
On this issue, on Monday morning, Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih asked the central government why it delayed in implementing the Stage 3 restrictions. The Supreme Court said: You will not move into below step 4 of the GRAP without our permission. Even if the AQI falls below 300. The court also sought an early decision on stopping physical classes up to 12th class.
5 Supreme Court Instructions to State Governments 1. The State Governments of Delhi, Haryana and UP should immediately impose Level 4 restrictions and these should be strictly followed. 2. A team should be formed in these states to monitor the implementation of phase 4. 3. If any restriction is violated, a mechanism should be created to resolve such cases. 4. Until we issue new orders, GRAP Stage 4 should remain in place even if the AQI drops to 450. 5. Grades 10th and 12th are still maintained, state governments included in the NCR should immediately decide to close schools.
The GRAP is imposed when the AQI exceeds 400. To check the level of air pollution, it is divided into 4 categories. Scales and measures are set for each level. This is called the Graduated Response Action Plan (GRAP). In its 4 categories, the government imposes restrictions and takes measures to reduce pollution.
Grape stages
Stage I “Poor” (AQI 201-300) Stage II “Very poor” (AQI 301-400) Stage III “Severe” (AQI 401-450) Stage IV “Severe Plus” (AQI > 450)
Courtroom LIVE…
Justice AS Oka: We want to see how the Delhi government is implementing phase 3?
Center: When the AQI is between 300 and 400, step 3 is implemented.
HC: When it reaches this range, step 3 is implemented. How can we delay 3 days? Tell us the guidelines.
Supreme Court: When was Stage 2 implemented? When did it exceed 300?
Center: Crossed 300 on November 12.
Supreme Court: So you waited 3 days?
Center: The weather forecast told us it would fall in a few days.
Supreme Court: Can the weather service be trusted in such critical circumstances? How can we delay 3 days?
Center: Step 4 can now be implemented.
Supreme Court: Should Delhi govt now tell us how you are implementing it? We make it clear here that you will not descend from stage 4 without our permission. Even if the AQI drops below 300.
Demand in the petition – Increasing pollution must be stopped. This case was listed on appeal by Amicus Curiae (Mitra) Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh. Who had demanded an immediate hearing in view of the current situation in Delhi.
On November 14, Amicus Curiae had said: “The Delhi government has done nothing about pollution, the situation is serious. Delhi should not become the most polluted city in the world.
The case is also related to pollution management in Delhi-NCR, which was filed by MC Mehta. In this, issues such as vehicular pollution, its management and stubble burning in NCR states have been retained.
On the morning of November 1, the AQI was above 300 in Delhi. Since then, it has continued to grow. The AQI reached 495 on November 18.
Last hearing and 3 court declarations…
November 14: Why were precautionary measures not taken before the air quality reached the serious category? In fact, Amicus Curiae had stated: “CAQM should explain why it has not implemented GRAP-3 before allowing AQI to deteriorate on November 11: No religion is in favor of activities that increase pollution, clean air is a fundamental right during Diwali. During the ban on firecrackers, it was said that no religion supports polluting activities. The Delhi government is expected to decide in two weeks whether the ban on firecrackers should be extended for an entire year or not. The court said, “Living in a clean environment is a fundamental right of every citizen under Article 21 of the Constitution. » November 4: Something must be done so that the ban on firecrackers is not violated next year as well. we should take such steps so that orders banning firecrackers during Diwali next year are not violated. Citing media reports, the bench said strict action, such as closure of the campus, was necessary against those violating the ban.
relating to the Supreme Court…
Former CJI stops morning walk due to air pollution; Said- The doctor forbade breathing stale air
Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud had said that due to increasing air pollution in Delhi, he had stopped taking morning walks. He said his doctor advised him not to take a morning walk because the bad air could cause breathing problems. …