New Delhi, Dec 2 (Reporter) The Supreme Court on Monday expressed serious concern over the failure of the National Capital Region (NCR) states to compensate construction workers impacted by the suspension of construction activities due to the ongoing air pollution crisis. A bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih ordered the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan to appear via videoconference on December 5 at 3:30 PM. The Court demanded proof of payments made to affected workers. "We want proof of payment, not just assurances. None of the NCR states have complied with our directions to compensate construction workers. Summoning Chief Secretaries is necessary to ensure action," the bench remarked sternly. Senior Advocate Shadan Farasat, representing the Delhi government, informed the court that compensation would be disbursed to workers who had been verified. He stated that 19,000 workers were eligible for immediate payment, while verification of others was ongoing. The bench, however, was dissatisfied, emphasising the need for tangible proof of payments made. Meanwhile, counsel for the Rajasthan government claimed that compensation had already been disbursed. The Court directed the state to submit this information on record, reiterating its expectation of concrete action from all states involved. During the hearing, the Court was dismayed to learn that commissioners tasked with enforcing its orders, such as monitoring stubble-burning and restricting truck entry into Delhi, were facing threats. Reports indicated that local criminals and influential groups were intimidating these commissioners. One commissioner reported being warned by local authorities about threats in areas with active stubble-burning and toll evasion. The Court ordered Delhi Police to file a detailed report on these threats and provide armed protection to commissioners who request it. "We cannot allow members of the Bar who serve as commissioners to face such risks. It is the Delhi Police's responsibility to ensure their safety," the bench said. The court also highlighted a lack of coordination among various agencies tackling Delhi’s pollution crisis, including the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Delhi Pollution Control Board, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, and Delhi Police. It directed the CAQM to improve coordination to ensure effective implementation of Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). "It is on the Commission to ensure all agencies work together to enforce GRAP IV," the Court emphasized. As the hearing concluded, the court signaled its intent to explore long-term solutions for major pollution sources like stubble burning. It requested the Amicus Curiae to prepare a detailed report, so these issues can be prioritised in future hearings. The case will continue on December 5...////...