The Delhi government is set to provide ₹8,000 to over 90,000 construction workers affected by an air pollution-driven construction ban. The Supreme Court recently refused to scale down GRAP 4 restrictions in NCR.

The court noted the failure of all National Capital Region states to compensate labourers whose livelihoods were affected by a ban on construction work.

It is pertinent to note that the air quality continues to be a significant concern in the Delhi NCR region, with several key locations reporting ‘very poor’ conditions and notable fluctuations in pollution levels.

Observing the Delhi-NCR faced a similar situation every year between October and December, the bench proposed to go into all aspects that cause air pollution and find a permanent solution.

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a plea for relaxation of GRAP-IV measures for air pollution in Delhi, emphasizing that such requests will only be considered if pollution levels show a consistent decline.

The Supreme Court extended GRAP 4 measures in Delhi until Monday. The Court directed the CAQM to consider scaling down to GRAP 3 or 2. Schools will continue to operate in hybrid mode, which is an exception to GRAP 4 measures,

The Supreme Court criticized NCR states for failing to compensate construction workers affected by Delhi's air pollution, ordering chief secretaries to provide proof of payment. The court emphasized the need for accountability and better coordination among pollution management authorities.

Coming down heavily on Delhi and other NCR states for not paying an allowance to labourers after construction activities were halted due to air pollution, the Supreme Court today said ball starts roll