Air pollution: GRAP-4 measures, except for schools, to continue in Delhi-NCR till December 2, says SC | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court said all this on Thursday Graduated response action plan (GRAP)-IV measures, except regarding schools, will remain in place through the next hearing on December 2. The Supreme Court also said that action against officials for “serious deficiencies” in the implementation of GRAP-IV measures should be expedited.
Meanwhile, the Air Quality Management Commission has informed the Supreme Court that it has issued a warning Delhi Police CommissionerMCD Commissioner and Delhi Transport Department for not adhering to their order regarding rising air pollution in the national capital.
The Supreme Court said the commissioner’s report shows an “abject failure” by the authorities to implement GRAP IV restrictions in letter and spirit.
Earlier on Monday, the Supreme Court had refused to relax the strict GRAP-IV measures being implemented in Delhi-NCR but suggested that educational institutions in the National Capital Region (NCR) could reopen for physical classes.
The court said a large number of students are unable to avail mid-day meals and online classes and do not have access to air purifiers.
The top court also came down heavily on the authorities and asked the CAQM to take action against the Delhi government, the city police and others responsible for not complying with its order under GRAP-IV to restrict entry of trucks into the national avoid the capital.
Despite allowing relaxation of GRAP-IV measures to allow physical classes, the court noted that it could not impose curbs under GRAP-III or GRAP-II unless it is satisfied with the consistent decline in air quality index (AQI).
The court also asked the state governments to use the labor wages collected for the livelihood of the workers during the construction ban.