SC asks CAQM to consider restarting physical classes in schools, colleges in Delhi

The Supreme Court on Monday urged the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi-NCR and nearby areas to consider resuming physical classes in schools and colleges, citing concerns that many students lack access to mid-day meals and the necessary infrastructure for online learning.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih observed that numerous students do not have air purifiers at home, suggesting that the difference in air quality for children at home versus those attending school may be negligible.

However, the court declined to ease the GRAP-4 anti-pollution measures in Delhi-NCR. It stated that it would not consider relaxing the restrictions to GRAP-3 or GRAP-2 levels unless there was consistent improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Acknowledging the hardships faced by sections of society, particularly labourers and daily wagers, due to GRAP-4 measures, the bench directed state governments in regions where construction is banned to utilise labour cess funds to provide sustenance for affected workers.

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GRAP-4 restrictions include curbs such as limiting the entry of trucks carrying non-essential goods into Delhi. First implemented in 2017, the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of anti-pollution measures tailored to the severity of air quality conditions in Delhi and surrounding areas.

(With inputs from PTI)