Delhi's Air Quality Improves Slightly, Supreme Court Demands Better Enforcement of Pollution Curbs

The Supreme Court criticized authorities for poor implementation of emergency measures as Delhi's AQI remains in the 'poor' category after weeks of severe pollution.

Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to 'poor' from 'very poor' for the second consecutive day, aided by consistent winds and sunlight.
The Supreme Court refused to relax Stage 4 restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), citing insufficient evidence of a sustained downward trend in pollution levels.
Authorities were criticized for inadequate enforcement of restrictions, including a ban on heavy trucks entering the city and the suspension of construction activities.
Court-appointed commissioners faced intimidation while monitoring compliance, prompting the court to demand police protection for them and reports on action taken.
The court summoned the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to provide updates on compensation for construction workers affected by the curbs.