New Delhi:
Delhi’s air has reached danger level. A hearing was held in the Supreme Court on Monday (18 November) regarding the increasing air pollution. During this period, the court has directed all the states of the National Capital Region (NCR) to immediately form teams to impose restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan i.e. GRAP-4 to reduce pollution. The bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih today reprimanded the Central Government and Delhi Government regarding pollution. The court said, “We are making it clear here that you will not come below Stage 4 without our permission. Even if the AQI comes below 300.”
Along with this, the Supreme Court has also ordered closure of physical classes up to 12th in all NCR states. The court has said that all schools should implement this order immediately. Now the next hearing of the case will be on November 22.
Let us know what the Supreme Court said in today’s hearing? Which orders were given to the governments? What restrictions will be implemented in Delhi under Group 4:-
What did the Delhi government say in its decision?
-The court asked, “When the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached between 300 to 400, why was there a delay of 3 days in implementing Stage 3 restrictions? You tell us the guidelines.”
-The Supreme Court told CAQM (Commission of Air Quality Management) that some urgency is needed to implement pollution control measures under GRAP. As soon as AQI reaches dangerous levels, GRAP phases should be implemented immediately.
-The court asked that how can you take risk even after pollution has reached such a dangerous level. Delhi government has implemented the restrictions of this phase from 8 am on Monday.
-The Supreme Court said that it is the constitutional responsibility of the Center and the states to ensure that citizens live in a pollution-free environment. The government will have to make such arrangements so that people can breathe in a clean environment.
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-The court said that the Center and CAQM should collect data from Korea or any other satellite regarding stubble burning. ISRO should also be included in this, so that the state can take action on their basis. You comply with the orders till Friday.
Who filed the petition?
The appeal of Amicus Curiae (Mitra) Senior Advocate Aparajita Singh regarding Delhi pollution is being heard in the Supreme Court. On November 14, Amicus Curiae had said – “Delhi government has not done anything for pollution, the situation is serious. Delhi should not become the most polluted city in the world.” At the same time, MC Mehta has also filed an application on the management of pollution in Delhi-NCR.
What is the AQI of Delhi?
In many areas of Delhi, AQI crossed the figure of 999 on Monday. According to the data given through Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app, at 10 am, 999 in Jahangirpuri, 904 in Punjabi Bagh, 909 in RKpuram, 999 in Dwarka Sector 8, 962 in Bawana, 999 in Satyawati College, 973 in Alipore, AQI is 954 in Narela, 890 in Anand Vihar and AQI in Mundka. 898 were recorded. AQI has been recorded at 384 in Noida, 400 in Ghaziabad, 446 in Gurugram and 336 in Faridabad.
Apart from Delhi, where else are schools closed in Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Faridabad?
Grape-4 implemented in Delhi from November 18
In view of the dangerous situation of air pollution in Delhi, GRAP-4 has been implemented from today. AQI had crossed 400 on 12 November, but GRAP-3 was implemented only from 14 November. It was decided to implement GRAP 4 after AQI reached 450 on Sunday. The situation worsened further on Monday morning. AQI was recorded at 500 and close to many places including Dwarka, Anand Vihar and Najafgarh. The situation remained bad in Noida and Gurugram also included in NCR. Therefore Grape-4 has been implemented. The court said that as per its previous instructions, CAQM should have taken preventive measures instead of waiting for the air quality to deteriorate.
What are the restrictions under Grape-4?
-Entry of trucks will be banned. But trucks carrying essential goods and services will be given entry. Under this, entry of LNG/CNG and BS-VI trucks will also be available in Grape-4.
-There will be no entry of SLV trains coming from outside Delhi. But the ban will not be applicable on these vehicles providing essential goods and services. There will be a ban on BS-VI, diesel-powered medium and heavy goods vehicles.
– There will be a ban on construction and development activities. This includes projects of highways, roads, flyovers, overbridges, electric pipelines, telecommunication.
-Schools up to 5th class are already closed. Now there is an order to close schools from 6th to 12th also. Online classes can be conducted.
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-In view of pollution, the central government and state governments can provide work from home facility to their employees. Private companies can also provide work from home.
-State governments can stop studies in colleges and cultural activities in institutes in case of emergency. Colleges can also conduct online classes. If needed, odd-even formula can be applied for vehicles.
Impact on flight and train services
The visibility of Delhi-NCR has been affected due to mist and fog. Due to low visibility, 8 flights were delayed at IGI Airport on Monday. At the same time, more than 28 trains arriving at New Delhi station were delayed. Whereas 11 trains had to be diverted.
What do you need to do to avoid pollution? Know the 10 easiest and effective methods
What to do and what not to do to avoid pollution?
1-Avoid leaving the house
2-Do not leave the house without a mask.
3- Keep the windows and doors closed in the house
4-Use air purifier.
5-Use public transport more.
6-Avoid smoking in the house.
7- If there is any kind of complication, consult a doctor immediately.
8- Do yoga, especially pranayam.
9- There should be more green spaces, especially where there are trees and plants, and if possible, plant trees too.
10- Not paying attention to cleanliness like washing hands, drinking clean water, and wearing clean clothes.
11- Use Steam.
Hearing on pollution caused by vehicles on November 25
The apex court is dealing with air pollution from various sources like stubble burning, firecrackers, vehicular pollution, garbage burning, industrial pollution etc. So far, orders have been passed regarding stubble burning and bursting of firecrackers along with other issues to be considered in the coming days. The court will hear the issue of pollution caused by vehicles on 25 November 2024. The issue of the Court’s directions regarding color-coded vehicle stickers is scheduled for further consideration on January 3, 2025.
Not only Delhi…people are suffocating due to pollution in Gurugram, Bahadurgarh, Noida too!
