GRAP-4 curbs to stay: SC flags gaps in Delhi's response
What's the story
The Supreme Court has opted to continue stringent restrictions on vehicular movement and construction activities in Delhi amid persistent air quality concerns.
The restrictions are part of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage 4, which was implemented after the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 450, entering the 'severe +' category.
The court will review relaxing the restrictions in its next hearing on Thursday.
Enforcement issues
Supreme Court criticizes Delhi Police over GRAP enforcement
The Supreme Court has slammed the Delhi Police for poor implementation of these curbs, threatening the police commissioner with prosecution under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Act.
Justices AS Oka and AG Masih observed that the checkpoints to regulate vehicle entry were not working effectively.
A counsel for court-appointed commissioners said while some checks were conducted, their efficacy was doubtful, with police stopping trucks without proper barricading at checkpoints.
Official response
Delhi government and CAQM respond to court's concerns
The Delhi government said it had deployed employees at checkpoints but clarified that Delhi Police doesn't come under its jurisdiction.
The CAQM and central authorities confirmed orders were issued for 23 checkposts but not for others, prompting the court to consider penalizing the police commissioner.
The Supreme Court emphasized that authorities have not made "earnest efforts" to implement GRAP 4 curbs effectively.
School and relief
Court addresses concerns over school resumption and worker relief
The court also took cognizance of worries over restarting physical classes in schools, saying many children don't have internet access for online classes, and asked CAQM to decide by tomorrow.
It also asked states to utilize labor cess funds to help construction workers impacted by work prohibitions.
The court asked CAQM to provide relief to laborers, daily wage earners, reiterating GRAP 4 restrictions continue until a "consistent downward trend of AQI" is observed.
Compliance verification
Supreme Court's measures to verify compliance with GRAP
Earlier, the Supreme Court had asked for CCTV footage from 13 key entry points into Delhi to check if truck entry bans under GRAP Stage 4 were being followed.
The court had appointed 13 lawyers as commissioners to collect video evidence from these points and file reports by Monday.
Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy drew attention to the negative effect of suspended physical classes on children from lower-income groups and those with special needs.