The Supreme Court has called for a report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) regarding the steps being taken to combat the deteriorating air quality in the capital. This directive follows observations of inaction by the CAQM, despite issues with air quality index (AQI) measurements and a hesitant approach towards implementing the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as previously ordered by the court.
While the AQI saw a slight improvement, leading the CAQM sub-committee to maintain Stage 2 measures, concerns remain. Delhi’s AQI was recorded at 309 (‘very poor’) on Monday, a drop from 366 the previous day. However, questions have been raised about the accuracy and reliability of AQI readings, especially after reports of attempted manipulation at monitoring stations and discrepancies between satellite data and ground-level readings.
Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, assisting the court, highlighted that the CAQM, as the statutory body responsible for pollution control, is obligated to take proactive measures under the GRAP. She pointed out that many monitoring stations were non-functional during Diwali, casting doubt on the current AQI data and the timing of GRAP implementation.
In response, a bench led by the Chief Justice of India has ordered the CAQM to submit an affidavit detailing proposed actions to prevent the air quality in the Delhi-NCR region from reaching severe levels.
The article also provides a breakdown of the CAQM’s structure and membership, including its sub-committee on GRAP. It reiterates the four stages of GRAP implementation based on AQI levels: Stage 1 (Poor), Stage 2 (Very Poor), Stage 3 (Severe), and Stage 4 (Severe Plus).
Looking ahead, weather experts predict a worsening air quality due to an approaching western disturbance. Factors like agricultural stubble burning, which is yet to peak in Punjab, are also expected to contribute to the deteriorating conditions. Experts suggest that the delayed harvest season due to monsoon flooding might lead to later stubble burning, potentially exacerbating the pollution problem.