The Supreme Court is scheduled to review on Monday whether to maintain emergency restrictions under Stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as part of efforts to tackle Delhi’s persistent air pollution crisis. The review comes at a critical time, as residents of the national capital woke up to a slight improvement in air quality on Monday morning. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 279, categorized as “poor,” which marked an improvement from Sunday’s AQI of 318, classified as “very poor.”

While the improvement brought some relief, the city remained enveloped in a dense haze, which blurred the skyline and significantly reduced visibility. The persistent smog is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by rising pollution levels in the winter months, exacerbated by stagnant weather conditions, vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and crop stubble burning in neighboring states.

The Supreme Court’s decision on GRAP Stage 4 measures is crucial, as these include stringent actions such as a ban on construction activities, restrictions on non-essential industries, and limitations on vehicular movement to reduce pollutant levels. The measures, designed to be implemented during severe air pollution episodes, aim to bring the city’s air quality to safer levels.

Environmental experts and residents alike are closely watching the Supreme Court’s deliberations, as the outcome will not only affect daily life in Delhi but also set a precedent for managing air pollution crises in other parts of the country. The improvement in air quality, although marginal, underscores the need for sustained and coordinated efforts to address the root causes of pollution and protect public health.