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

New Delhi: Amid growing concerns over deteriorating air quality, Supreme Court directed all NCR governments on Monday to implement measures outlined in GRAP-IV and present ir plans before court at next hearing. 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

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

court furr asked Delhi government and or state governments to set up a grievance redressal mechanism to report violations of step. "CAQM will look into complaints immediately. We make it clear that till furr 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", apex court said.

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

“ moment AQI reaches between 300 and 400, stage 4 has to be invoked. How can you take risk in se matters by delaying applicability of stage 4 of GRAP,” bench told counsel.

It told state government that court wants to know what steps it has taken to curb 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," bench said, ding it will hear matter in detail at end of day’s work.

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

On Sunday, CAQM announced stricter pollution control measures for 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.

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

According to 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.

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

Doctors warn of health risks for all

Meanwhile, doctors have raised concerns about its health risks, cautioning that toxic air can harm not just vulnerable groups but also healthy individuals. Doctors vised 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 ir medications, doctors vised. "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) or health complications," said Dr Rajat Sharma, Resident Doctor of Community Medicine at UCMS & GTB Hospital.

He furr explained that unlike surgical or cloth masks, which often fail due to poor fitting and inequate filtration, N95 masks provide superior protection. " 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.