As per the GRAP-IV restrictions imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management, the entry of trucks to the NCR is prohibited to combat air pollution.The Supreme Court Friday ordered that GRAP-IV, the fourth stage of anti-pollution measures in effect for the National Capital Region, will remain in operation for the next 72 hours.
As Delhi and the rest of the NCR continue to grapple with rising pollution with air quality index (AQI) continuing to remain in the "very poor category", a division bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih said it would consider on Monday whether to retain the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) at the current level or lower it by a level or two.
"We will consider whether to bring it down from GRAP-IV to GRAP-II", Justice Oka verbally remarked. The bench also appointed 13 members of the Bar as court commissioners to visit the entry points to Delhi and verify whether entry of trucks is being stopped.
As per the GRAP-IV restrictions imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management, the entry of trucks to the NCR is prohibited to combat air pollution.
Observing that it is not satisfied with compliance of its directions, the bench said the Delhi government has not stated clearly as to at how many entry points there are officers present to ensure compliance with the Stage-IV measures.
Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, amicus curiae in the case, stated that there are 113 entry points but the counsel for the Delhi government said vigil is maintained primarily at 13 major points.
The court observed that this meant that for the other 100 points, there is no restriction on vehicles which are banned under Stage IV. The bench directed the Delhi government and Delhi Police to set up check posts at all 113 entry points.
The bench said it will consider the matter again on November 25 to consider whether the GRAP-IV restrictions should be continued.
The bench made the remark after parents of some children petitioned the apex court against suspension of physical classes.
The parents contended that not everyone has technological systems available at home for virtual classes. In response, the bench said it would consider whether Stage-IV needs to be reduced.
In the application moved by a group of eight parents, it has been contended that school closure is not a panacea for the pollution woes of the NCR. The school closures interfere with the children's right to education, it argued.
