Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday directed all states to consider an immediate suspension of physical classes for students up to Class 12 as air pollution levels in Delhi and adjoining areas reached hazardous levels.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih issued the directive while hearing a petition seeking measures to address the escalating air pollution in the national capital region.
Severe Pollution Levels
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 486 on Monday, marking the season’s worst level and remaining in the “severe plus” category for the second consecutive day. The worsening air quality prompted the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to implement Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
In response, the Delhi government suspended physical classes for students, except for those in Classes 10 and 12 preparing for board examinations.
Court’s Concerns
Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing the petitioner, argued that students in Classes 10 and 12 face the same health risks as younger students. “The lungs of 10th and 12th students cannot be different than the other students… if a direction can be given to stop those physical classes as well,” he said.
The court criticized the Delhi government and CAQM for delays in implementing anti-pollution measures under GRAP. It also directed other states to take a prompt decision to halt physical classes for all students, including those in Classes 10 and 12.
Key Measures Under GRAP Stage IV
•Suspension of all construction activities, including road and flyover projects.
•Ban on entry of non-essential trucks into Delhi.
•Restrictions on diesel-operated vehicles below BS-VI standards.
The Supreme Court’s directive aims to safeguard students’ health as northern India grapples with the impact of toxic air pollution.
