The Supreme Court has allowed the lifting of GRAP-4 restrictions in view of the decreasing level of pollution in Delhi-NCR. However, the court has said that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) should not lift restrictions below GRAP-2 at the moment.
CAQM should implement some restrictions from both GRAP-2 and GRAP-3. The Supreme Court will review the situation on December 12 and issue further orders.
In response to the slow attitude of CAQM and Delhi government in tackling pollution, the Supreme Court on November 18 directed immediate implementation of GRAP-4 restrictions in Delhi and NCR.
The court had also said that GRAP-4 should not be lifted without its permission. Restrictions on construction activities, ban on entry of non-essential vehicles into Delhi and several other measures were taken under GRAP-4.
Initially, the court had also directed schools to remain in online mode, but later it was relaxed.
AQI Drops Below 300
In the report presented to the Supreme Court, CAQM said that the pollution level in Delhi is continuously decreasing. Now the situation has become such that GRAP restrictions can be completely lifted.
However, the court remarked, “According to the report from November 18 to December 4, the AQI has dropped below 300 only in the last four days. Therefore, GRAP restrictions cannot be completely lifted at this stage.”
‘Restrictions Should Not Be Lowered Below GRAP 2’
A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih said that they are allowing the CAQM to lift the GRAP-4 restrictions, but the restrictions should not be lowered to GRAP-2 for now.
The judges suggested that the CAQM consider imposing some restrictions from GRAP-3 along with GRAP-2. The court stressed the need for a permanent solution. It emphasized that comprehensive action is required to address all factors contributing to pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
