Supreme Court Directs Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan to Provide Allowance to Workers Amid GRAP-III Pollution Measures

The Supreme Court of India has directed these states – Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan – to provide an allowance to construction workers and daily-wage labourers whose employment has been halted due to the enforcement of GRAP Stage III measures, according to a report by Business Today.

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III, which was implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on November 11, was triggered by the sharp deterioration of air quality in Delhi and surrounding regions. Measures include a ban on most non-essential construction activities, restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, suspension of classes up to Class 5 with hybrid or online learning, curbs on industries using non-clean fuel, and a ban on non-emergency diesel generator sets. These steps focus on curbing emissions from construction, transport, and industrial operations.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, emphasised that proactive steps to reduce pollution are welcome, but these steps must consider all stakeholders, particularly workers whose livelihoods are affected. The court also instructed the states to intensify preventive measures and ensure monthly review of air quality interventions.

During the hearing, Aparajita Singh, the court-appointed amicus curiae, highlighted that the Delhi government had planned inter-zonal sports events for under-14 and under-16 students during highly polluted months. She warned that outdoor sports in November and December could expose children to severe health risks, describing the situation as akin to “putting them in a gas chamber.” Singh further pointed out undercounted farm fires and suggested that farmers be provided with equipment to safely dispose of their crop residue.

Additional Solicitor General “Aishwarya Bhati”, representing the Centre, clarified that measures like water sprinkling at monitoring sites were legitimate pollution-control actions, countering claims of manipulation. The court directed the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana to fully implement CAQM’s November 13 directions on preventing stubble burning.

This directive underscores the court’s commitment towards balancing environmental protection with worker welfare, ensuring that measures to combat air pollution do not disproportionately harm daily-wage labourers.