Supreme Court strict on pollution in Delhi-NCR: Schools closed till class 12th and GRAP Stage-4 implemented
Taking a serious stand on the rising pollution in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court has ordered to close schools up to class 12 and strictly implement all the restrictions of GRAP Stage-4. The court told the states not to remove the restrictions of GRAP Stage-4 without permission, even if the AQI falls below 450. This decision has been taken keeping in mind the rising air pollution and the health of children.
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INDC Network: Live: New Delhi: Supreme Court strict on pollution in Delhi-NCR: Schools closed till 12th and GRAP Stage-4 implemented
Supreme Court's tough stand: orders to close schools
Air pollution in Delhi and NCR has reached dangerous levels. On Monday, the Supreme Court directed the central and state governments to immediately close schools up to class 12. The court said that children cannot be forced to study in poisonous air.
GRAP Stage-4 implemented: Do not remove restrictions without permission
The Supreme Court said that under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Stage-4 restrictions can be lifted only if the court allows. The court also said that even if the AQI falls below 300, Stage-4 restrictions will remain in place.
What is GRAP and its stages
GRAP is an action plan to be implemented in four phases to control pollution.
- Stage I: AQI 201-300 (poor)
- Stage II: AQI 301-400 (very poor)
- Stage III: AQI 401-450 (severe)
- Stage IV: AQI >450 (severe plus)
5 main directions of the Supreme Court:
- Immediately implement GRAP Stage-4 restrictions in Delhi, Haryana, and UP.
- Form a team to oversee the implementation of Stage-4.
- Develop a resolution process to prevent violations of sanctions.
- Keep GRAP Stage-4 strictly implemented till the next order of the court.
- Take immediate decision on closing schools in NCR.
