Delhi air pollution: GRAP IV to continue till Monday; SC raps Delhi police, authorities for ‘complete failure’ in implementing restrictions

The Supreme Court on Thursday came down heavily on the Delhi police for poor implementation of GRAP IV regulations in the national capital despite its directions on Monday. The apex court observed there was “complete failure” and none of the authorities were “bothered about implementation”. The Court ordered that GRAP IV restrictions will continue till Monday in the national capital. 

A bench comprising Justices Abhay Oka and Justice A.G. Masih resumed hearing on pleas to curb pollution in the national capital on Thursday. The bench, reading reports from court commissioners, observed that there has been “complete failure” on the part of Delhi police and other authorities in implementing GRAP IV regulations and restricting entry of heavy vehicles into the national capital from other states. “We have gone through the first report that was submitted. Hardly anything was done by the police. Complete failure,” Live Law reported quoting the bench.

The Centre for Air Quality Management informed the Court that as per its directions, notices have been issued against the commissioner of police, special commissioner of traffic, additional chief secretary, transport commissioner and Delhi municipal corporation commissioner seeking an explanation and sought response by December 2. 

However, the bench questioned why action was not taken against officials and why it stopped with just issuing notices, despite possessing the powers. The bench directed CAQM to expedite action against authorities and ordered action must be definitely taken against authorities in charge of places where lapses have been reported.

The apex court also slammed the Haryana and Punjab governments for poor action against stubble burning. The bench said a proper protocol must be developed to monitor stubble burning round-the-clock. CAQM informed the bench that ISRO is working on it.

The court also directed CAQM to convene a meeting and decide on moving to GRAP III or GRAP II. “We make it clear that all GRAP IV measures except the measures which are modified in respect of the schools will continue to operate till Monday. In the meantime, the commission will hold a meeting and come out with a suggestion about moving from GRAP IV to GRAP III or GRAP II. We also make it clear that it is not necessary that all measures which are provided in GRAP IV should be dispensed with. There can be a combination of measures in GRAP III and GRAP II,” it said.