Supreme Court Empowers CAQM to Enforce Enhanced GRAP-II Amid Pollution Concerns in Delhi
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to execute the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage-II in the national capital, along with supplementary measures.
A bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka has authorized the CAQM to maintain the GRAP Stage-II restrictions while integrating additional measures aligned with the Stage-III protocols.
The Bench, which also included Justice A.G. Masih, emphasized that measures under GRAP-III should be activated if the AQI exceeds 350, and GRAP-IV if it surpasses 400 in the near future.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, representing the CAQM, stated that the Commission does not plan to suggest any restrictions below GRAP-II.
The apex court instructed the state governments of Delhi and neighboring states to deliberate on a permanent prohibition concerning the use of firecrackers.
Instructing the state governments to document their positions, the Supreme Court indicated it would provide guidelines on the manufacture, storage, sale, and distribution of firecrackers.
Moreover, the court will persist in monitoring the disbursement of subsistence allowances to construction workers while construction activities are temporarily suspended under the GRAP regulations.
Previously, in November, following Diwali, the highest court criticized the insufficient implementation of the firecracker ban in the national capital and reprimanded the Delhi government for its lack of enforcement.
The court had demanded an affidavit from the Delhi government and the Police Commissioner outlining the measures taken to uphold the ban.
The apex court suggested that the premises of firecracker sellers should be sealed and reinforced a ban on importing firecrackers from adjacent states.
In September of this year, the Delhi government issued a notification prohibiting firecrackers until January 1, 2025, aimed at alleviating air pollution during the winter months.
The Environment Minister of Delhi stated that to maintain air quality in the national capital, a notification was issued to address pollution stemming from firecrackers by banning their use during winter. The notification also prohibited the online sales and delivery of firecrackers in Delhi.
