Why Did We Wait For AQI To Cross 300?: SC Questions Delhi Govt Over Delay In Anti-Pollution Curbs

The air quality in the national capital plunged to 'severe plus' for the first time this season on Monday.

The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Delhi government over the delay in the implementation of stage 4 of GRAP in the national capital despite an alarming rise in pollution. "Why did we wait for the air quality index to cross 300?" the court asked. The apex court said it will not allow the scaling down of preventive measures under stage 4 of GRAP even if AQI goes below 450.

The air quality in the national capital plunged to 'severe plus' for the first time this season on Monday. The government has implemented Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) from today.

"The moment the AQI reaches between 300 and 400, stage 4 has to be invoked. How can you take risk in these matters by delaying applicability of stage 4 of GRAP," the bench told the counsel.

It told the state government that the court wants to know what steps it has taken to curb the alarming rise of pollution levels.

Won't Allow Scaling Down Curbs Even: SC

"We won’t allow scaling down of preventive measures under stage 4 even if AQI goes below 450. Stage 4 will continue till court permits," the bench said, adding it will hear the matter in detail at the end of the day’s work.

The apex court agreed to urgently list the plea on November 14 after it was told that Delhi should not become the most polluted city in the world due to the rising pollution.

It had earlier said the right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere was a fundamental right of every citizen, protected by Article 21 of the Constitution.

The apex court is hearing a plea seeking directions to curb air pollution in the national capital and adjoining areas.