The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the authorities in Delhi over the alarming pollution levels plaguing the national capital and its surrounding regions, labelling the enforcement of GRAP-4 measures as an “abject failure.”

While directing that all anti-pollution measures remain in effect until Monday, the court exempted schools from restrictions. Additionally, it instructed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to convene a meeting to evaluate the possibility of revising the restrictions, potentially scaling them down to GRAP-3 or GRAP-2 levels.

The court also suggested exploring a hybrid approach combining GRAP-4 and GRAP-3 measures if deemed necessary.

"We make it clear that all GRAP IV measures except the measures which are modified in respect of the schools will continue to operate till Monday. In the meantime, the Commission for Air Quality Management will hold a meeting and come out with the suggestion about moving from GRAP IV to GRAP III or GRAP II. We also make it clear that it is not necessary that all measures which are provided in GRAP IV should be dispensed with," the bench said.

The Supreme Court has directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to take swift action against senior police, government, and civic agency officials in Delhi for failing to enforce the ban on the entry of heavy trucks into the city. The court emphasised the need for strict compliance with its orders to curb pollution levels.

In addition, the court instructed the Punjab government to ensure its officials refrain from advising farmers to burn stubble after 4 pm, a tactic reportedly used to evade satellite detection of such activities. This measure aims to address one of the significant contributors to air pollution in the region.

"We are not sure of the correctness of this news but if it is correct it is very serious. The (Punjab) state officials cannot permit any farmer to take advantage of the fact that at present activities are being detected that take place during a few hours of the day. The Punjab government should immediately issue instructions to all officers not to indulge in any such activities," the bench said.