The Supreme Court on Monday (November 17, 2025) told the Centre that air pollution’s choke-hold on the national capital could not be pried loose by slapping a “perennial GRAP” (Graded Response Action Plan) across Delhi and the National Capital Region.

The toxicity had to be dealt with gradually, through a long-term policy, which did not impact the livelihoods of migrant labourers and daily wagers, the court said.

Also read | Delhi’s air, a ‘wicked problem’ in need of bold solutions

“The solution is not to take a short-term measure effective for one or two months. The government has to bring all the stakeholders on board and consider a solution which would see air pollution diminishing over the years,” Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai observed.

The Chief Justice said “harsh” measure

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