Supreme Court strict on pollution, GRAP-4 will not be removed from Delhi-NCR till further orders; Instructions to close schools

After the air pollution in Delhi-NCR reached dangerous levels, the Supreme Court directed the state governments to strictly implement the provisions of GRAP-4. The Supreme Court also directed all NCR states to immediately form teams for the necessary monitoring work under GRAP-4. Along with this, the court asked to close schools up to class 12.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih said that it is the constitutional duty of all states to ensure that all citizens live in a pollution-free environment. The bench said, “We direct the continuation of restrictions under GRAP-4 even if the AQI level goes below 450.”

Give information about the steps taken to prevent pollution: SC

The Supreme Court directed all NCR state governments and the Center to immediately consider all the measures mentioned in GRAP-4 and inform about all the steps taken before the next date of hearing. Delhi and NCR governments were also asked to set up a grievance redressal mechanism to report violations of GRAP-4.

GRAP-4 will remain in force in Delhi-NCR till further orders: SC

The Supreme Court said that till its next order, Grape-4 will remain in force in Delhi and NCR, even if the AQI goes below 450. All state and central governments were asked to file an affidavit in this regard. The Supreme Court said that it is the constitutional obligation of the state and the Center that citizens live in a pollution-free environment. The Supreme Court said that apart from imposing Grape Phase 3 and 4, the government should ensure that the situation returns to normal in the capital and its surrounding areas.

Order to close schools up to class 12

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court against the physical operation of all schools up to class 12. In this regard, the Supreme Court has ordered the closure of all schools up to class 12 in Delhi and NCR.

These vehicles have been exempted in Delhi

As per the CAQM order, no trucks will be allowed to enter Delhi except those carrying essential commodities or vehicles run on clean fuel (LNG/CNG/BS-VI diesel/electric). Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi, barring EVs and CNG and BS-VI diesel vehicles, will also be banned.