'Don't Go Below GRAP 4 Without...': Supreme Court Talks Tough On Delhi Air Pollution
Court sets October 24 deadline for government to prepare plan for severe air pollution days in Delhi and surrounding areas
As worsening air quality in Delhi and the surrounding areas continues to make headlines, the Supreme Court has stepped in and laid down some tough guidelines for the government to follow.
The court has directed the Centre and state governments to prepare a comprehensive plan to deal with severe air pollution days in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) by October 24. The plan must include measures to be taken when the air quality index (AQI) reaches 'severe' or 'hazardous' levels.
The court has also directed the governments to take immediate steps to control air pollution, including implementing stricter emission norms for vehicles, promoting public transport, and encouraging industries to adopt cleaner technologies.
The court's order comes as a timely response to the alarming levels of air pollution in Delhi and the NCR. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Delhi has been consistently hovering around 'severe' and 'hazardous' levels for the past few days.
The poor air quality has led to a spike in respiratory illnesses and other health problems among Delhi residents. Schools have been closed, and people have been advised to stay indoors as much as possible.
The Supreme Court's order is a welcome step in the fight against air pollution in Delhi and the NCR. The government must now take swift action to implement the court's directives and ensure that the air quality in the region improves.
Here are some of the key measures that the government should consider as part of its plan to tackle air pollution:
- Implement stricter emission norms for vehicles
- Promote public transport
- Encourage industries to adopt cleaner technologies
- Plant more trees
- Enforce stricter penalties for air pollution violations
By taking these steps, the government can help to improve the air quality in Delhi and the NCR and reduce the health risks associated with air pollution.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court's order is a wake-up call for the government to take immediate action to tackle air pollution in Delhi and the NCR. The government must now work closely with all stakeholders to implement the court's directives and ensure that the air quality in the region improves.
Only by taking swift and decisive action can we hope to protect the health of Delhi's residents and ensure that they can breathe clean air.
