SC flags GRAP-4 lapses over entry of trucks in Delhi

The Supreme Court on Friday flagged the Delhi Government’s failure in enforcing anti-pollution GRAP-4 restrictions relating to the entry of trucks in the Capital and directed immediate setting up of check posts at 113 entry points.

Taking note of marginal decline in air quality index (AQI) and adverse impacts of stringent curbs, a Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih said it would consider on November 25 whether to ease GRAP-4 restrictions in Delhi-NCR. The overall AQI in Delhi remained at 373 (in “very poor” category).

On November 18, the SC directed all Delhi-NCR states to immediately set up teams to strictly enforce anti-pollution GRAP-4 (Graded Response Action Plan) restrictions, making it clear that the curbs would continue till further orders.

During the hearing on Friday, the Bench wondered when

the advocates apprised that there were 113 entry points to Delhi and only 13 manned ones saw strict enforcement of the GRAP-4 restrictions.

The court expressed surprise when the Delhi Government’s counsel failed to satisfy the Bench on the issue whether the security personnel at entry points possessed the list of essential goods that could be allowed to be transported by trucks inside the national capital. “This means that at other 100 points, there is no restriction on vehicles which are banned under GRAP-4,” said the Bench.

It added, “Security personnel who are going to man the entry points must be clearly informed about the accepted items which the counsel for Delhi Government has highlighted as essential commodities.” The Bench directed the Delhi Government and the city police to ensure check posts were immediately set up at all 113 entry points.

The Bench also appointed 13 apex court lawyers as court commissioners who would visit the entry points on November 23 to ascertain the implementation of curbs. The Delhi Police will have to facilitate the inspection, it added.