New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday (November 25) said that the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV will continue in the National Capital Region (NCR) for now, saying unless it is satisfied that there is consistent downward trend of the Air Quality Index (AQI), it cannot order to go below to stage-III or stage-II of GRAP.
A bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih, while hearing the air pollution in Delhi and NCR, directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to consider restarting physical classes in schools and colleges in the national capital region and adjoining areas, noting many students lacked mid-day meals and infrastructure to attend online classes.
Apex court took note of AQI levels from November 20 to November 23 that ranged from 300 to 419
The bench took note of the AQI levels from November 20 to November 23 that ranged from 300 to 419 and directed the CAQM to place the updated data on next date so that court can take steps on GRAP-IV measures.
The bench noted that several section of society has been adversely affected due to implementation of GRAP-IV and said that the CAQM has all the powers under the act to issue directions to various authorities to ensure that persons in category in labourers and daily wagers do not suffer and directed the CAQM to take several mitigating measures.
Large number of students cannot avail mid-day meals, apex court noted
“The commission will have to consider relaxing norms as large number of students cannot avail mid-day meals and large number of children cannot access air purifiers and there is not much difference in air outside and inside the place. Let the commission (CAQM) take a decision at the earliest even without copy of the order and the ASG can inform the same, The commission shall also decide on continuation of physical classes for 10th and 12th,” the bench said.
Apex court last week expressed its dissatisfaction on non-restriction of vehicles banned under GRAP-IV
The apex court on Friday expressed its dissatisfaction on non-restriction on vehicles banned under the GRAP-IV at only 13 major entry points and had appointed 13 court commissioners to ascertain that the restrictions of GRAP-IV are being implemented at those entry points or not and submit a report by tomorrow. The court commissioners submitted their report before the bench on Monday.
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