‘Strictly Implement GRAP 4’, Supreme Court to All NCR States Amid ‘Hazardous’ AQI

New Delhi: Amid growing concerns over the deteriorating air quality, the Supreme Court directed all NCR governments on Monday to implement the measures outlined in GRAP-IV and present their plans before the court at the next hearing. The Court also ruled that all NCR states must immediately suspend physical classes for students up to class 12.

‘Strictly Implement GRAP 4’, Supreme Court to NCR States Amid ‘Hazardous’ AQI

"There is an issue of which agency should record official levels of AQI. We direct all governments of the NCR area to strictly implement stage 4 of GRAP. All states will constitute immediate teams for monitoring actions which are required under stage 4. The NCR state governments and Union of India to immediately take a call on steps provided in stage 4 and place them before us before the next date of hearing. 

The court further asked the Delhi government and other state governments to set up a grievance redressal mechanism to report violations of the step. "CAQM will look into complaints immediately. We make it clear that till further orders of this court implementation of stage 4 shall continue even if AQI falls below 450. All state and central govt to file compliance affidavit by Thursday", the apex court said.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih pointed out that there was a delay in implementation of preventive measures under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) even after the Air Quality Index (AQI) touched alarming levels in the national capital. At the outset, the counsel for the Delhi government informed the bench that stage 4 of GRAP has been implemented from Monday and heavy vehicles have been banned from entering the national capital.

“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 level. "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.

'Stricter pollution control measures for the Delhi-NCR under GRAP-4'

On Sunday, the CAQM announced stricter pollution control measures for the Delhi-NCR under GRAP-4, effective from 8 am on Monday, including a ban on truck entry and a temporary halt on construction at public projects.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued the order as Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) worsened, reaching 441 at 4 pm and rising to 457 by 7 pm due to unfavourable weather conditions.

According to the order, no trucks would be allowed into Delhi except for those carrying essential items or using clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric).

Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi will also be prohibited, except for EVs and CNG and BS-VI diesel ones.

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

Doctors warn of health risks for all

Meanwhile, doctors have raised concerns about its health risks, cautioning that the toxic air can harm not just vulnerable groups but also healthy individuals. Doctors advised residents to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated and use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor particulate matter. Those with pre-existing lung or heart conditions should remain vigilant and stick to their medications, the doctors advised. "At this level of pollution, wearing an N95 mask is not an option but a necessity. Even healthy individuals can fall victim to respiratory illnesses and (face) other health complications," said Dr Rajat Sharma, Resident Doctor of Community Medicine at UCMS & GTB Hospital.

He further explained that unlike surgical or cloth masks, which often fail due to poor fitting and inadequate filtration, N95 masks provide superior protection. "The severe air pollution levels we are witnessing demand immediate protective measures, making mask use a non-negotiable priority. This isn't just about vulnerable populations anymore. Healthy individuals are equally at risk," said Sharma.