The Supreme Court is set to address the pressing issue of air pollution in Delhi as the city records an AQI of 481, placing it in the 'severe' category. The court is acting on a plea raised by Senior Advocate Aprajita Singh, who has emphasized the urgency of the situation. The government has implemented Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, which includes restrictions on construction and demolition activities and possible implementation of Odd-Even restrictions.
Air Pollution Crisis in Delhi: Supreme Court Steps In
Delhi, the capital of India, has been grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, prompting the Supreme Court to intervene. On November 10, 2023, the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 481, categorizing it as "severe."
Background: Delhi's Air Pollution Problem
Air pollution in Delhi has been a persistent problem for several years. The city's air quality often deteriorates during the winter months, due to a combination of factors:
Supreme Court's Intervention
The Supreme Court's intervention came in response to a plea filed by Senior Advocate Aprajita Singh, who highlighted the urgency of the situation. The court directed the government to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes:
Top 5 FAQs on Delhi Air Pollution
1. What is the current AQI in Delhi? As of November 10, 2023, the AQI in Delhi is 481, which falls in the "severe" category.
2. What causes air pollution in Delhi? Delhi's air pollution is primarily caused by vehicle emissions, biomass burning, industrial emissions, and construction activities.
3. What are the health effects of air pollution? Air pollution can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
4. What is the government doing to address air pollution? The government has implemented the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes measures such as restrictions on polluting activities and enhanced monitoring.
5. What can citizens do to help reduce air pollution? Citizens can help reduce air pollution by using public transportation, limiting vehicle use, conserving energy, and refraining from burning biomass or garbage.
As the Delhi-NCR is engulfed in a thick layer of toxic smog, the CM of Delhi announced the discontinuation of physical classes for all students except Classes 10 and 12. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to implement an 8-point action plan under Stage-IV of the GRAP, including stricter restrictions on polluting vehicles and activities. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some applauding the move and others facing difficulties with the sudden shift to online education.
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The Punjab and Haryana High Court has closed contempt of court proceedings against 274 followers of self-styled godman Sant Rampal, who were accused of sending a booklet criticizing a High Court judge in 2019. The Division Bench discharged the contemnors after they issued an unconditional apology. This case is possibly the largest number of persons ever charged for criminal contempt in a single matter, with 11 contemnors passing away during the pendency of the case.
With the air quality in Delhi remaining in a 'severe' category for the past five days, the Centre's panel has decided to impose stage-4 restrictions under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) from Monday. These measures will include a discontinuation of physical classes for all students except for class 10 and 12, and implementing online classes until further notice. This decision comes after the air quality index (AQI) crossed the 450-mark, prompting the authorities to take stricter anti-pollution measures.
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