The Supreme Court Advises Wearing Masks In Delhi-NCR’s ‘Severe+’ Air Pollution

Last Updated on November 18, 2024 by Arti Kumari

As the air quality in Delhi-NCR continues to deteriorate, the Supreme Court has issued a circular urging strict adherence to preventive health measures, including wearing masks.

The circular emphasizes the application of Stage-IV (‘Severe+’ Air Quality) measures under the updated Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), citing an order issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on November 17, 2024.

When the AQI values significantly increased and crossed 450 on November 17, 2024, the CAQM activated Stage-IV measures. The GRAP Sub-Committee noted that because to unfavorable weather conditions, such as dense fog and sluggish breezes, the air quality was likely to stay in the “Severe+” category.

Stage-IV actions consist of:

1. Unless they are transporting necessary goods or services, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) from outside Delhi are not allowed, with the exception of EVs, CNG, or BS-VI diesel cars.
2. Only vehicles transporting necessary goods or services are allowed entry into Delhi. Only trucks that are BS-VI diesel, LNG, CNG, or electric are permitted.
3. Delhi-registered BS-IV and below diesel medium and heavy goods vehicles are strictly prohibited from operating, with the exception of essential services.
4. The prohibition of linear public projects such as pipelines, flyovers, and highways, as well as construction and demolition (C&D) activities.
5. The government of Delhi and the NCR states may switch from in-person to online instruction.
6. Offices in the public, municipal, and private sectors may run at half capacity, with the remaining employees working from home. Work-from-home options may be taken into consideration by the Central Government.
7. States have the authority to impose odd-even vehicle schemes, restrict non-emergency commercial activities, and close colleges.
8. Outdoor activities should be avoided by vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with long-term illnesses.
9. Even if the Air Quality Index (AQI) drops below the severe level of 450, the Supreme Court today ordered Delhi-NCR to continue implementing Stage-IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) came under fire from the Court for its tardiness in enforcing pollution control measures.

In contrast to past orders, the Court pointed out that GRAP-III and GRAP-IV measures were only implemented after considerable delays, even though the AQI had previously crossed dangerous thresholds.

Stage-IV measures, including as monitoring teams and a grievance redressal system for violations, must be vigorously enforced by the governments of the NCR states, the court ordered.

In order to enable timely state-level interventions, the Court ordered the Union Government and CAQM to obtain data from stationary satellites to monitor farm fires.