As Delhi grapples with ‘severe-plus’ air quality, the Supreme Court will hear a public interest litigation (PIL) on pollution control on Monday. According to the apex court’s causelist, a bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih will take up the landmark MC Mehta case on November 18.
The air quality in the national capital deteriorated sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 481 by 7 am on Monday. Classified as ‘hazardous,’ this level poses serious health risks, especially for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Fog and Toxic Air Disrupt Daily Life
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for dense fog, which has compounded the crisis by significantly reducing visibility. The combination of thick smog and fog has also disrupted flight operations, leading to widespread delays and affecting commuters.
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Despite efforts to curb pollution, the city remains shrouded in smog. Locals have likened the environment to a “gas chamber,” as citizens struggle to breathe in the toxic air. The arrival of a cold wave has further intensified the public health emergency.
Supreme Court Intensifies Scrutiny
In light of the worsening crisis, the Supreme Court has taken a firm stance on pollution control measures. Recently, it criticized the Delhi government for failing to enforce the firecracker ban effectively. The court directed the Delhi government and Police Commissioner to file affidavits detailing actions taken to implement the ban and enforce pollution control measures.
Additionally, the apex court has demanded updates from Punjab and Haryana on the status of stubble burning, a major contributor to the air quality decline in Delhi-NCR. The states have been asked to outline steps to prevent this recurring issue in future years.
Emergency Measures Under GRAP
In response to the alarming air quality, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR starting Monday. This stage includes emergency actions to tackle severe pollution levels.
The decision followed an emergency meeting by the Sub-Committee for GRAP operationalization, prompted by unfavorable meteorological conditions exacerbating pollution across the region.
Urgent Need for Solutions
With the Supreme Court set to review the PIL and authorities under pressure to implement effective measures, the national capital awaits actionable solutions to address this mounting environmental and public health crisis.
