The Supreme Court has made it clear: Delhi’s recurring air-pollution swarms can’t be addressed by relying solely on the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) curbs. While GRAP’s Stage 4 emergency measures are being enforced, the Court argues they are reactive and temporary — not a substitute for systemic change.

The bench has criticised authorities over weak implementation: despite GRAP-IV measures, there is “hardly any implementation … in letter and spirit.” According to the Court, a “downward trend” in AQI must emerge before any lifting of curbs.

Rather than allowing short bursts of restrictions, the Supreme Court is pushing for a long-term solution: joint action from the Centre, states (especially Punjab and Haryana), and the pollution watchdog, CAQM. It emphasises tackling root causes — like stubble burning, vehicle emissions, road dust and construction — rather than cycling through emergency measures. The Court has urged serious structural reform, arguing that prevention (through sustained regulation and cleaner practices) must be prioritised over temporary curbs to truly resolve Delhi’s air-quality crisis.