Supreme Court questions Delhi government over delay in implementing GRAP-IV

Background

The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Delhi government over the delay in implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV, a set of measures aimed at controlling air pollution in the national capital.

A bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana asked the Delhi government to explain the reasons for the delay and also sought to know the steps taken to implement the plan.

The court was hearing a petition filed by environmental activist Aditya Dubey, who had sought directions to the Centre and the Delhi government to take immediate steps to implement GRAP-IV.

GRAP-IV

GRAP-IV is a set of emergency measures that are implemented when the air quality in Delhi reaches the "severe" category. The plan includes measures such as a ban on construction and demolition activities, odd-even rationing of vehicles, and closure of schools.

The Delhi government had notified GRAP-IV in January 2021, but it has not been implemented yet.

Delhi government's response

The Delhi government told the court that it was in the process of implementing GRAP-IV and that it had already taken several steps in this regard.

The government said that it had banned construction and demolition activities in the city and had also implemented odd-even rationing of vehicles.

However, the government admitted that it had not yet closed schools as part of GRAP-IV.

Court's observations

The court expressed dissatisfaction with the Delhi government's response and said that it was not satisfied with the steps taken by the government to implement GRAP-IV.

The court asked the government to file a detailed affidavit within two weeks, explaining the reasons for the delay in implementing GRAP-IV and the steps taken to implement the plan.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's questioning of the Delhi government over the delay in implementing GRAP-IV is a significant development.

The court's order has put the Delhi government under pressure to take immediate steps to implement the plan.

GRAP-IV is a critical measure for controlling air pollution in Delhi, and its implementation is essential to protect the health of the city's residents.