The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region through a tiered system of measures based on the severity of air quality.
NEW DELHI: Taking note of the worsening air quality in Delhi-NCR due to stubble burning, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Punjab and Haryana governments to inform the court about the measures taken to control the situation.
A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justices K. Vinod Chandran and N.V. Anjaria also agreed to hear the matter on November 17.
“Let the Punjab and Haryana governments respond on the steps taken to control stubble burning,” the CJI said during the hearing.
The bench had earlier scheduled the matter for hearing on Wednesday.
Senior advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan pointed out that GRAP III (Graded Response Action Plan) was currently in force and urged that GRAP IV be implemented immediately.
“The AQI (Air Quality Index) has crossed 450 at some places. There is drilling and excavation happening outside a court here, that shouldn’t be allowed, at least within these premises,” he submitted.
Responding to this, the CJI said that appropriate action would be taken regarding construction activity.
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region through a tiered system of measures based on the severity of air quality.
Senior advocate Aprajita Singh, assisting the court as amicus curiae, told the bench that stubble burning had begun “in a big way and with impunity” in Punjab and Haryana, further deteriorating air quality levels in Delhi-NCR.
Citing Nasa satellite images, the amicus said these clearly indicated large-scale stubble burning in both states, contributing significantly to the already hazardous pollution levels in Delhi-NCR.
“The apex court’s orders are being flouted with impunity,” she said, urging that both states be asked to respond to the current situation.
