Supreme Court Allows Removal of GRAP 4 Restrictions in Delhi-NCR

The Supreme Court has granted permission to remove GRAP 4 restrictions in Delhi-NCR, considering the decreasing pollution levels. However, the court has directed the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) to ensure that the restrictions are not eased below GRAP 2 levels. CAQM has been asked to implement certain restrictions from GRAP 3 in addition to GRAP 2. The situation will be reviewed on December 12, when the court will issue further orders.

The decision to lift GRAP 4 restrictions comes after the CAQM reported a significant reduction in pollution levels. Despite the improvement, the court noted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) had dropped below 300 only in the last four days of the reporting period (November 18 to December 4), meaning a complete removal of the restrictions was not feasible yet.

GRAP 4 Restrictions and Measures

Under GRAP 4, several strict measures had been imposed, including a ban on construction work, restrictions on the entry of non-essential vehicles into Delhi, and a shift of schools to online modes. Initially, the court had mandated these steps due to the escalating pollution levels, but the intensity of the restrictions had been reduced over time.

The bench, consisting of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih, emphasized that while CAQM could remove GRAP 4, the restrictions should not be eased beyond GRAP 2. The court further directed that CAQM consider continuing certain measures from GRAP 3, stressing the need for a long-term, sustainable solution to pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.

Migrant Workers' Compensation Issue

During the hearing, the Supreme Court also criticized the Delhi government for its failure to provide adequate compensation to construction workers, despite its earlier directions. The Delhi government had paid ₹2,000 to 90,693 workers but was asked to provide an additional ₹6,000 after verifying their details. The court sternly directed the Delhi Chief Secretary to ensure the remaining compensation was disbursed immediately, warning of contempt proceedings if this was not done promptly. Additionally, the court raised concerns about the government's efforts to verify and register all workers in the relevant portal, urging a more proactive approach.