Supreme Court Orders Closure of Schools, Full GRAP Stage 4 Implementation Amid Severe Pollution in Delhi-NCR

The Supreme Court’s directive also addresses the health risks posed to students. Noting the continued operation of physical classes for grades 10 and 12, the Court ordered the closure of all schools

In a decisive move to address the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court has ordered the closure of all schools, including physical classes for grades 10 and 12, and directed strict implementation of Stage 4 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This comprehensive directive, issued amid hazardous air quality levels, mandates that all NCR governments, along with the Centre, take immediate action to curb pollution and ensure the well-being of residents.

Despite the Air Quality Index (AQI) slightly improving to 424, still categorized as "severe," the Supreme Court ruled that GRAP Stage 4 measures should remain in place even if conditions improve slightly. The Court emphasized the constitutional responsibility of both state and central governments to ensure a pollution-free environment, underscoring that citizens' right to clean air is non-negotiable.

GRAP Stage 4 Enforcement and Monitoring

Stage 4 of GRAP, a set of emergency measures, imposes restrictions aimed at dramatically reducing pollution levels. These include a ban on non-essential construction activities, the closure of stone crushers and mining operations, and restrictions on vehicular emissions. Specifically, BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, unless required for essential services, are prohibited from operating, while only BS-VI-compliant trucks are allowed to enter Delhi. The authorities are tasked with immediate setup of enforcement teams to monitor compliance, and violators will face strict action.

To facilitate public participation, the Court has also ordered the establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism, allowing residents to report violations. This mechanism aims to ensure that citizens play an active role in supporting pollution control measures.

Impact on Education

The Supreme Court’s directive also addresses the health risks posed to students. Noting the continued operation of physical classes for grades 10 and 12, the Court ordered the closure of all schools and called for an urgent reassessment by NCR states. It emphasized that the well-being of older students is equally important, reflecting on concerns raised by advocates that students in higher grades should not be treated differently from their peers. Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi had announced a shift to online classes for students from nursery to class 9, effective November 18, as pollution levels breached the "severe" threshold.

A Call for Unified Action

This order marks an urgent call for coordinated action to address the crisis that has engulfed the region. Worsening meteorological conditions, such as stagnant air and minimal dispersion, continue to exacerbate pollution levels, making unified and stringent efforts crucial. Environmental experts have warned that unless concrete steps are taken immediately, the health and well-being of millions will remain at significant risk.

Broader Implications

The Supreme Court’s intervention underlines a pressing need for long-term strategies beyond emergency measures. Experts have highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach that includes sustainable urban planning, stricter vehicle emission norms, and initiatives to improve public transportation. The ongoing crisis also raises concerns about industrial emissions and the burning of agricultural stubble, issues that require collaborative efforts between neighboring states.

Delhi-NCR faces one of its worst pollution crises in recent years, the Supreme Court’s orders represent a critical effort to mitigate the impact on public health and the environment. The effectiveness of GRAP Stage 4 and further measures will depend on robust enforcement and the collective will of the governments and citizens alike to address air pollution proactively.