New Delhi/Alive News: The Supreme Court has directed Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to submit a detailed action plan within two weeks to control vehicular pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR).
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana also directed the Delhi government, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Police’s Traffic Department to provide details of the steps being taken to control vehicle emissions.
The court sought information on the criteria and procedures used to ensure that vehicles comply with prescribed emission standards. It also asked the authorities to explain how effectively Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate rules are being implemented.
The bench further sought details of action taken against old and highly polluting vehicles, including the number of vehicles inspected and challans issued for violations.
The matter will be heard next on November 23.
The directions come amid worsening air quality across Delhi-NCR. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on Friday, ahead of Diwali, to control rising pollution levels.
What Restrictions Apply Under GRAP Stage III?
GRAP Stage III includes a 10-point action plan for Delhi and other parts of the NCR, including areas of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Under these restrictions, several dust-generating construction and demolition activities are prohibited. These include excavation, piling, demolition, brickwork, road construction, major welding work, painting and polishing. The transportation of construction materials on unpaved roads is also restricted.
However, certain essential infrastructure projects, including railways, metro networks, airports, hospitals, highways, flyovers, power transmission lines, sewage treatment plants and water supply projects, are allowed to continue subject to prescribed pollution-control measures.
The restrictions also require the closure of stone crushers and suspension of mining activities across the NCR.
Restrictions on Older Vehicles
Stage III also imposes restrictions on certain categories of older vehicles. BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers and older vehicles are restricted from operating in Delhi and the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar.
In Delhi, restrictions also apply to specified BS-IV and older diesel medium goods vehicles registered in the city. The entry of BS-IV and older diesel light and medium goods vehicles registered outside Delhi is also prohibited.
The exemption previously available to goods vehicles carrying essential commodities has been withdrawn.
Schools May Shift to Hybrid Classes, Offices May Allow Work from Home
The GRAP Stage III guidelines also provide for changes in school and office operations to reduce pollution.
Schools up to Class V in Delhi and other NCR areas may conduct classes in hybrid mode, combining online and offline learning wherever online facilities are available. Students and their parents can choose the online mode.
State governments may also decide whether government, municipal and private offices should operate with 50 per cent of employees attending physically and the remaining staff working from home.
