The Supreme Court on Wednesday instructed that construction workers who have been out of work since the implementation of GRAP-3 in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, due to a ban on construction activities, be paid subsistence allowance.
A bench led by CJI BR Gavai also instructed the governments of the aforesaid States to implement preventive measures with regard to the reduction of air pollution and to ensure they are reviewed regularly. The Supreme Court has also stated that the matter concerning air pollution must be listed monthly.
“We find that any proactive action aimed at reducing air pollution levels is welcome. However, authorities taking such decisions should consider all factors and take care of all stakeholders involved”, the Court has observed.
Meanwhile, pollution continues to choke the national capital. Delhi recorded an AQI of 391 this morning, remaining in the very poor category for the sixth straight day. Eighteen of 38 CPCB stations reported AQI levels in the severe range.
Delhi logged its earliest single-digit minimum in 11 years, with temperatures staying below 10°C since November 15, as per the IMD. On Monday, the city hit a low of 8.7°C, 3.6°C below normal and the coldest November reading in three years. Most areas recorded night temperatures between 9°C and 11°C, while daytime maximums stayed between 24°C and 26°C.
A slight 1°C rise in minimum temperature was observed over the last 24 hours, but meteorologists say conditions remain “appreciably below normal.” The IMD has forecast shallow to moderate fog on Wednesday and morning fog with clear skies from November 20–24.
Earlier on November 11, 2025, after air pollution levels in the national capital worsened, authorities enforced Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect.
The move came after Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped into the ‘severe’ category for the first time this season on November 11, rising sharply from 362 on Monday to 425 (as of 9 am) on Tuesday.
A complete ban was imposed on all non-essential construction and demolition activities, including earth excavation, piling, laying of sewer lines and electric cables through open trenches, and the operation of Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) batching plants.