On November 28, 2024, the Supreme Court of India made a significant ruling regarding the ongoing air pollution crisis in Delhi. The Court decided that the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV) measures, aimed at curbing the worsening air quality in the national capital, would continue until December 2, 2024. However, the Court specifically exempted schools and colleges from certain restrictions that had been imposed under these measures. The decision came after a review of the city’s air quality, which had reached hazardous levels in recent weeks, causing serious health concerns for residents, particularly vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.
Background of the GRAP-IV Measures
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a comprehensive system designed by the government to combat air pollution in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR). It is a set of escalating measures that are triggered based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the region. The GRAP is divided into several stages, each addressing the severity of the air pollution.
Stage IV, also known as GRAP-IV, includes the most stringent set of measures, designed to mitigate severe air pollution. These measures include a ban on construction activities, restrictions on industrial activities, closure of non-essential government offices, implementation of a “no entry” policy for trucks carrying non-essential goods, and restrictions on the use of coal-fired power plants. Furthermore, the plan calls for the temporary closure of schools and colleges when air quality levels are deemed hazardous.
The ongoing pollution in Delhi has been a longstanding issue, primarily due to vehicular emissions, industrial activities, stubble burning in nearby states, and seasonal weather conditions. During winter, air quality tends to dip drastically, leading to the implementation of measures like the GRAP to combat rising pollution levels. However, these measures also come with economic, social, and educational costs, making the decision to impose them a complex one for authorities.
Supreme Court’s Ruling on GRAP-IV Continuation
On November 28, the Supreme Court addressed the continued implementation of GRAP-IV, following a review of the air quality in Delhi. According to the latest reports, the AQI in the city had reached severe levels, with the particulate matter (PM) levels crossing the dangerous thresholds. As a result, the Court determined that it was necessary for GRAP-IV measures to remain in place to protect the health and safety of the public.
However, the Court’s ruling also specified that schools and colleges would be exempted from certain restrictions. This decision came in response to concerns about the disruption caused to the education system. The resumption of normal educational activities was important to ensure that students’ academic progress was not significantly hindered, especially as many educational institutions had already experienced considerable disruptions due to the pandemic in previous years.
The exemption for schools and colleges was likely influenced by the fact that, while air pollution can negatively affect health, educational institutions could implement specific protective measures for students and staff. For example, schools could continue operations by ensuring the use of air purifiers, encouraging the use of masks, and reducing outdoor activities. In contrast, other sectors, such as construction and industrial operations, posed greater health risks due to their direct impact on the air quality and the volume of pollutants being emitted.
The Air Quality Crisis in Delhi
Delhi’s air quality has been a critical issue for many years, but the situation has worsened in recent times due to a combination of factors. During the winter months, the situation becomes particularly dire, as the cooler temperatures and slower wind speeds trap pollutants in the atmosphere, leading to smog and low visibility. Additionally, the seasonal burning of stubble by farmers in neighboring states, like Punjab and Haryana, significantly contributes to the city’s air pollution levels.
The high concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide in the air has led to hazardous conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations. Respiratory illnesses, including asthma, bronchitis, and other pulmonary diseases, have seen an increase during these months. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions are especially at risk, which is why immediate and effective measures are necessary to mitigate the effects of air pollution.
In 2024, the air quality index in Delhi frequently crossed the “severe” category, with PM2.5 levels reaching well above the safe threshold of 60 µg/m3. These conditions prompted the government and courts to take swift action to minimize exposure and reduce pollution levels.
GRAP Measures and Their Impact
The GRAP measures are a part of the broader effort to reduce pollution in the region. Under GRAP-IV, the measures were designed to reduce the overall pollution load by curbing activities that contribute to worsening air quality. For instance, banning construction and demolition activities was intended to limit the release of dust and particulate matter into the air. Similarly, restrictions on industrial activities and the closure of coal-powered plants were aimed at reducing emissions of pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
In addition to these measures, there were also restrictions on the use of private vehicles, with a strong emphasis on increasing the use of public transport, carpooling, and adopting electric vehicles (EVs). However, the implementation of these measures has been met with mixed reactions, as it has often caused disruptions in daily life, leading to inconvenience for commuters, workers, and business owners. Furthermore, the closure of schools and colleges raised concerns about the impact on education, particularly when children’s physical health was a primary concern.
Despite these challenges, experts argue that the GRAP measures are a necessary step to reduce the long-term health impacts of pollution. The continuous monitoring of air quality and the enforcement of strict regulations have been hailed as crucial tools in improving the overall air quality in Delhi.
Public Health Concerns
The Supreme Court’s decision comes amid growing concerns about the health consequences of prolonged exposure to poor air quality. In the absence of measures like GRAP-IV, the level of pollution would continue to increase, leading to severe health consequences for the population. According to health experts, children are particularly vulnerable, as their lungs are still developing and they are more likely to be affected by exposure to airborne pollutants.
The continuing poor air quality also has implications for the healthcare system, which has seen a surge in respiratory and cardiovascular problems during the peak pollution months. Hospitals are often overwhelmed with patients suffering from conditions related to air pollution, which puts additional strain on the healthcare infrastructure.
Looking Ahead: The Way Forward
The ongoing pollution crisis in Delhi requires a multi-pronged approach to effectively tackle the issue in the long term. While the continuation of GRAP-IV measures will help mitigate the immediate risks posed by the hazardous air quality, authorities must also focus on addressing the root causes of pollution, such as vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, stubble burning, and the use of solid fuels.
In the coming years, the implementation of more sustainable solutions will be key to reducing Delhi’s dependence on measures like GRAP-IV. These solutions include the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, stricter regulations on industrial emissions, improved waste management, and better urban planning to reduce pollution sources.
Moreover, efforts to combat stubble burning in neighboring states should also be prioritized. Regional collaboration between states like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh is crucial in managing this issue effectively, as air pollution does not respect state boundaries.
In conclusion, while the continuation of GRAP-IV measures is a necessary response to the ongoing air pollution crisis in Delhi, the Supreme Court’s decision also highlights the need for balanced and sustainable solutions to protect public health and improve air quality in the long term. The challenges posed by Delhi’s air pollution require not just short-term actions but a long-term commitment to cleaner, healthier urban living.