• Source:JND
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The Supreme Court on Monday criticised the Delhi Government for its poor implementation of restrictions amid worsening air quality in the national capital. The court pointed out that the GRAP 3 restrictions were supposed to be enforced as soon as the AQI crossed 401, but they were only implemented on November 13.

“The moment AQI crosses 401 Stage 3 has to be invoked. It happened on 13th… Can you take chances like this? In a lighter vein, can anybody rely on IMD department?” the court remarked.

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A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih heard the plea on Delhi pollution.

The SC asked the Delhi Government about steps the latter took in view of the rising pollution. Besides, the bench ordered the government not to remove GRAP 4 restrictions without their permission.

“We want to know what action government has taken. You will not go below stage 3 without our permission now even if it even if AQI goes below 450 stage four will continue, that's the order we propose to pass,” Justice Oka said.

Notably, all the stations for SAFAR-India in Delhi recorded AQIs of at least 450, which puts them in the “severe plus” category.

According to Swiss group IQAir's live rankings, New Delhi was at one point the most polluted city in the world with the air quality at a "hazardous" 1,081.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi attributed the rising pollution to stubble burning, accusing the Centre of “inaction" and “politics” over the issue.

“There is a medical emergency in the entire North India and I request the central government to take steps to stop this stubble burning, please stop doing politics on stubble burning and AQI," Chief Minister Atishi said. 

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On November 14, the top court agreed to urgently list the plea after it was told that Delhi should not become the most polluted city in the world due to the rising pollution.