New Delhi, Nov 18 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday directed that the Graded Response Action Plan IV (GRAP IV) restrictions should remain in force in Delhi even if the air quality index (AQI) improves and goes below 300.
GRAP IV restrictions include a complete ban on construction activities, closure of schools and an odd-even scheme for vehicles and is usually implemented when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 450.
A Bench comprising Justice AS Oka and Justice AG Masih while hearing a plea on deteriorating air quality in the National Capital said, “We are making it very clear that you will not go below stage 4 without our permission even if AQI goes below 300. That is our order.”
The Bench said that this action is very important to combat the deteriorating air quality level in Delhi.
The plea sought seeking enforcement of measures to improve the Air Quality Index in the Capital.
GRAP IV restrictions is in force in the national capital currently. This came into force after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) activated the same in response to the worsening AQI.
As per GRAP IV restrictions, entry of trucks into Delhi, except for trucks carrying essential commodities/providing essential services, would also be banned.
All LNG/CNG /Electric/BS-VI Diesel trucks shall however be permitted to enter Delhi.
GRAP IV restrictions also means that light commercial vehicles registered outside the Capital, other than EVs/CNG/BS-VI diesel, can’t enter Delhi except those carrying essential commodities/ providing essential services.
