The GRAP-3 Ban Workers Relief directive gained strength on Wednesday as the Supreme Court ordered subsistence support for construction labourers affected by the ongoing pollution restrictions in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The court stressed that thousands of families depend on daily-wage construction work, so they cannot suffer during emergency curbs.
Chief Justice BR Gavai led the bench. He said the pollution crisis demands strong steps, yet the government must also protect vulnerable workers. The court asked all four state governments to issue relief payments immediately. It also told them to monitor implementation regularly.
GRAP-3 restrictions began on November 11 after pollution levels crossed the severe mark in the NCR. Under this stage, most non-essential construction activities must stop. The rules also curb BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, limit fuel-based industrial operations, suspend offline classes up to Class 5, and restrict the use of diesel generators. These steps aim to reduce emissions during peak pollution.
Meanwhile, the court raised questions about AQI readings in Delhi. Amicus curiae Aparajita Singh informed the bench about videos showing water sprinkling near pollution-monitoring stations. She claimed that such actions could distort readings. The court asked the Delhi government to file a detailed affidavit explaining their equipment and its accuracy.
The bench also discussed stubble burning. It noted that incidents may be underreported. The court therefore directed the Centre and state governments to help farmers with alternatives so they do not depend on burning crop residue. It also asked Punjab and Haryana to enforce CAQM’s guidelines issued on November 13.
A petitioner sought a complete halt to construction in Delhi. The court declined. It said experts created GRAP after scientific study. And a total shutdown would destroy livelihoods.
With winter pollution rising each year, the court said it will now hear pollution-related matters every month.
