Supreme Court Questions Delay in Implementing GRAP-3 in Delhi NCR, Proposes Stricter Measures

The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the delay in implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 3 in Delhi NCR, questioning authorities as to why it took three days to enforce the measure. This follows the rising levels of air pollution in the region, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeding hazardous levels.

In a hearing on the matter, the Court expressed its dissatisfaction with the delay and indicated that it is considering passing an order stipulating that authorities would not be allowed to scale down the air quality response below GRAP Stage 4 without prior permission from the Court, even if the AQI falls below 300.

The Delhi government informed the Supreme Court that it had imposed GRAP Stage 4 from today, following the Court’s inquiry. However, the Court decided to defer further proceedings, with the matter scheduled to be taken up again at the end of the day’s proceedings.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures designed to combat the worsening air quality in Delhi and its neighboring regions, with Stage 4 being the highest level of response to combat severe pollution levels.