Do you want to keep the workers hungry? SC reprimanded Delhi government over compensation

An important hearing was held in the Supreme Court on Thursday regarding pollution in Delhi. The Supreme Court had asked the Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab and UP governments that how many workers have been given compensation after the implementation of GRAP-4 restrictions. Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, on behalf of the Delhi government, told the court that 90 thousand workers have been paid Rs 2 thousand.

On this, the court reprimanded the Delhi government. The court said, "90 thousand workers are entitled to Rs 8 thousand. When will you give the remaining 6 thousand. Do you want to keep the workers hungry? We are issuing a contempt notice." In response to this, the Chief Secretary of the Delhi government said that we will make the payment by tomorrow.

The Supreme Court issued an order to remove GRAP-4

GRAP-4 implemented in Delhi-NCR has now been removed. The Supreme Court has issued an order to remove GRAP-4 after the hearing. ASG Bhati, on behalf of CAQM, said that AQI is going down. But it depends on the weather. Downgrading is happening from 29 November. Let us tell you that after facing continuous air pollution in the city for the last one month, Delhi's air quality improved today and AQI reached the 'moderate' category at 161.

What did the Supreme Court say

The Supreme Court said that considering the data, we do not think it would be appropriate to allow the Commission to go below Grape 2 at this stage. It is necessary to monitor it further by the court. Although, we allow the Commission to implement Grape 2, it would be appropriate to include additional measures of Grape 3 in it and we allow it to do so. We have to record here that if it is found that the AQI goes above 350, then Grape 3 has to be implemented immediately as a precaution. If someday the AQI crosses 400, then Grape 4 should be implemented again.

What is Grape?

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is implemented after the increase in air pollution. The first stage of GRAP is AQI 201 to 300. The second stage is AQI 301 to 400. Then the third stage is AQI 401 to 450. If AQI exceeds 450, then GRAP-4 is implemented. However, apart from this, it is implemented by the government itself. It is not implemented until the government orders are implemented. There are many types of restrictions under it.

What are the restrictions under GRAP 1?

There are many types of restrictions under GRAP 1. However, its level is initial only.

Usually GRAP-1 is implemented when the AQI of the city crosses 200.

After the implementation of GRAP-1, a complete ban is imposed on the use of coal and firewood in hotels and restaurants. Because the smoke emitted from it affects the environment rapidly.

Strictness is imposed on the operation of old petrol and diesel vehicles (BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel).

What are the restrictions under GRAP 2?

Many restrictions are imposed under the second phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), i.e. GRAP-2.

Industrial activities are banned: Orders are given to close many types of industries or limit their activities, especially those that spread more pollution.

Construction activities are banned: Construction work is stopped because it releases dust and other particles into the atmosphere. Which has a direct impact on the quality of air.

Restrictions on vehicles: The government can ban the entry of private vehicles and public transport is promoted.

Ban on the use of coal: Coal-fired thermal power plants are shut down

Strict rules are implemented regarding waste disposal: Open burning of waste is completely banned.

These restrictions are imposed under GRAP 3

The third phase of GRAP 3 i.e. Graded Response Action Plan, is implemented at very serious levels of air pollution. This is a strict step taken by the administration to control pollution. The implementation of GRAP 3 means that the pollution situation is very bad and immediate steps are needed. After this, immediate steps are taken by the government to rapidly reduce the level of air pollution.

Complete ban on vehicles: The administration has the right to completely ban the entry of private vehicles. Only vehicles of essential services are allowed in such a situation.

Complete ban on industrial activities: All types of industries are closed, especially those that spread more pollution.

Complete ban on construction activities: All types of construction work is stopped. The administration has the right to impose heavy fines on those who violate this order.

Complete ban on the use of coal: All thermal power plants running on coal are shut down. Also, the use of any kind of coal is stopped even at a small level.

What are the restrictions under GRAP 4?

GRAP 4 means the fourth phase of the Graded Response Action Plan. This is the most dangerous level for any city. It is also seen as an emergency for the environment. It is implemented at a very serious level of air pollution. It is the most stringent step to deal with pollution. These restrictions can change depending on the area and the level of pollution. It is a very serious situation and it means that people's health is in serious danger due to pollution. Therefore, it is very important to follow these restrictions.