Delhi’s Air Quality Hits ‘Severe Plus’: Supreme Court Demands Action from Government

Delhi Air Pollution Update: Supreme Court Actions and Current Conditions

The Supreme Court of India has raised concerns about worsening air quality in Delhi. The court questioned the government about delays in implementing anti-pollution measures, asking, “Why did we wait for the air quality index to cross 300?”

Recently, Delhi’s air quality reached a ‘severe plus’ level for the first time this season, prompting the government to activate Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This plan is designed to address severe pollution. The air quality index (AQI) hit 481 early this morning. Of 35 monitoring stations in the city, most recorded AQI levels exceeding 400, with Dwarka reporting the highest at 499.

Key Updates:

1. Transportation Disruptions: Smog has significantly reduced visibility in Delhi to about 150 meters, causing delays in both flights and trains. Notable delays affect several airlines, including SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India, as well as trains like the Purushottam Express, which faced delays of up to three hours.

2. AQI Levels: Current AQI data highlights alarming pollution levels:

   • Dwarka, Sector 8 (DPCC): 500
   • Major Dhyanchand National Stadium: 497
   • Najafgarh: 497
   • Other areas like Bawana and Ashok Vihar registered 495.

3. Health Risks: Reports indicate that pollution levels are over 60 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum. High levels of PM2.5, harmful fine particulate matter, are particularly concerning.

4. GRAP-4 Restrictions: The GRAP-4 measures include:

   • Banning diesel vehicles older than BS-IV.
   • Prohibiting non-essential trucks and commercial vehicles from entering Delhi.
   • Conducting classes online for all schools except for Classes 10 and 12, with public and private offices advised to operate at 50% capacity.

5. Supreme Court Directive: The Supreme Court has instructed the Delhi government not to lift any pollution curbs without court approval.

6. Political Accountability: Delhi Chief Minister Atishi criticized the central government, accusing it of inaction regarding stubble burning, which has contributed to deteriorating air quality in the region.

The situation remains critical as residents and officials grapple with intense pollution and the health risks it presents. The government is expected to consider additional emergency measures in response to the crisis.