The situation of air pollution in Delhi is worsening day by day, and the Supreme Court has now started taking strict action regarding this crisis. In view of the threat of pollution in the capital, the court has ordered strict implementation of the fourth phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Apart from this, the court has also directed the closure of schools in the Delhi NCR region, and this order will be applicable exclusively for students up to class 12.
What is the importance of GRAP-4?
Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a strict measure to be implemented during the deterioration of air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas. In this, various steps are taken keeping in mind the level of pollution. In the fourth phase of GRAP, strict action is taken in case of serious air pollution. This mainly includes steps like ban on construction work, ban on construction and demolition activities, and ban on entry of vehicles. Additionally, in this phase of the Graded Response Action Plan, strict control is also maintained over the operation of schools.
Supreme Court’s strict comment
The Supreme Court strongly reprimanded the Delhi government and said that if the AQI (Air Quality Index) is between 300 to 400, then the fourth phase of GRAP should be implemented immediately. The court also asked the Delhi government what steps it has taken so far to stop the dangerous level of pollution. The court made it clear that even if the air quality index goes below 450, no relaxation will be given under the fourth phase. This order makes the Delhi government realize that laxity regarding pollution will no longer be tolerated.
Increasing health crisis due to air pollution
The pollution level in Delhi is increasing day by day, and it is having a serious impact not only on the environment but also on the health of the people. This situation is very worrying especially for children, elderly people and people suffering from respiratory diseases. Increasing pollution in the air is increasing the risk of asthma, bronchitis, other problems related to the respiratory system and heart diseases. At the same time, government figures also show that thousands of people lose their lives every year due to pollution.
Effect of school closure
Following the order of the Supreme Court, it has been decided to close all schools up to class 12 in Delhi NCR. This will help in protecting children from air pollution, but on the other hand, it will also have an impact on education. Many parents have welcomed the decision, but some have also expressed concern that it may disrupt their children’s education. However, this step has been taken until the air quality improves.
Delhi government’s steps
Delhi Government has taken several necessary steps while implementing the fourth phase of GRAP. The government has banned the entry of heavy vehicles into the National Capital Region, and has decided to stop construction work. Apart from this, the Delhi government has also taken some steps to promote public transport. But the Supreme Court has not considered these steps as sufficient and has said that more effective and immediate steps should be taken to control the pollution levels.
upcoming challenge
This is a challenging time for both the Delhi government and the Supreme Court, because the problem of pollution is increasing every year. Some experts believe that this is only an immediate measure, and concrete steps need to be taken for a long-term solution. The long-term approach requires strict policies to improve air quality, control vehicular pollution, and increased surveillance on industries. Apart from this, there is also a need to promote environmental education and public awareness.
Necessary measures to control pollution
- expansion of green zone – There is a need to develop more green areas in Delhi so that pollution can be controlled.
- use of clean energy – There is a need to increase the use of renewable energy sources in place of coal.
- air quality monitoring – Strong measures are needed to monitor the air quality index in real time and inform the public about it.
- control vehicle pollution – Use of old vehicles should be restricted, and electric vehicles need to be promoted.
- action at local level – Local administration should take steps to monitor and control pollution, such as preventing burning incidents and banning dust generation activities.
Global impact of Delhi’s pollution
Delhi’s pollution is not limited to India only, but it has also become a topic of discussion at the global level. Delhi’s air quality ranks among the most polluted cities in the world. As a result, concerns are being raised about the increasing impact of air pollution across the world. The problem of global warming and climate change is becoming more acute due to air pollution.
Pollution in Delhi is a serious problem, which now needs to be controlled strictly. The Supreme Court’s order to take strict steps under GRAP-4 is a challenge for the Delhi government, but this step is extremely important for the protection of the health and environment of Delhiites. Now it remains to be seen whether the Delhi government and other concerned agencies are able to resolve this crisis effectively, so that this type of pollution can be avoided in future.
