NCR Under Pollution Lockdown: Toxic Air Sparks Supreme Court Directive

Delhi NCR is once again grappling with hazardous air quality as pollution levels soar to alarming levels. On Tuesday, the national capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the danger mark, with 13 out of 36 monitoring stations reporting readings of 499 or 500. In response, the Supreme Court has directed the region to enforce Stage 4 curbs under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). This includes a ban on the entry of trucks, except those carrying essential goods or using clean fuel, and a complete halt to construction work on public projects. Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also barred. If conditions worsen, the odd-even rule may also come into effect. Amidst this smog crisis, political blame games have intensified. The BJP has slammed AAP for its inability to curb pollution, while Delhi CM Atishi has blamed the Centre for failing to address stubble burning in neighboring states. As emergency measures take center stage, residents are left questioning whether these steps will truly clear the air or merely offer a temporary reprieve.