Supreme Court Orders Toll Plaza Shutdown to Combat Delhi’s Deadly Air Pollution Crisis

India’s Supreme Court has taken drastic new action against Delhi’s severe air pollution. The court ordered the potential closure of nine key toll plazas at the capital’s borders. This directive was issued on Wednesday, December 17th. The aim is to reduce massive traffic jams that worsen toxic emissions.

The court criticized the situation as an “annual feature.” It gave authorities just one week to devise a concrete plan. According to Reuters, the congestion from idling vehicles at these entry points significantly damages air quality.

One-Week Deadline for MCD to Clear Congestion

The Supreme Court was clear and urgent. It directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to decide within seven days. The order is to temporarily close or relocate nine specific toll collection booths.

The court suggested shutting them until January 31st. It noted that while tolls generate income, they also create litigation and environmental harm. The MCD must place its final decision on the court record.

To address revenue loss, the court proposed a solution. It asked the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to explore managing the plazas. A portion of the tolls collected could then be diverted to compensate the MCD.

Older Vehicles Face Stricter Enforcement in Clean-Up Push

The court also modified an earlier order to target pollution sources. It now allows coercive action against older, more polluting vehicles. This specifically targets vehicles that do not meet BS-IV emission standards.

These pre-BS-IV models are considered major contributors to bad air. The move signifies a tougher stance on all pollution sources. It complements efforts to reduce congestion-based emissions.

For Delhi’s residents, these actions signal a more aggressive intervention. The combined focus on traffic flow and vehicle emissions aims for immediate relief. Long-term solutions, however, remain a complex challenge.

The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the critical severity of Delhi’s pollution. This direct order for toll plaza changes marks a significant enforcement shift. The coming week will test the city’s ability to implement these urgent anti-pollution measures.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Which toll plazas are affected by the Supreme Court order?

The order specifically targets nine toll collection booths managed by the MCD at Delhi’s borders. One confirmed location is at the Gurugram border, with others at key city entry points causing major congestion.

Q2: How long could the toll plazas be shut down?

The Supreme Court suggested a temporary closure lasting until January 31 of the coming year. The final decision rests with the MCD, which has a one-week deadline to formulate its plan.

Q3: What happens to older vehicles now?

The court permitted authorities to take coercive action against vehicles that do not comply with Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) emission standards. This means stricter penalties or restrictions for pre-BS-IV models in the capital region.

Q4: Why does traffic congestion worsen Delhi’s air pollution?

Long queues of idling vehicles burn fuel inefficiently and emit higher concentrations of pollutants. This localized spike in emissions at border points significantly contributes to the region’s overall poor air quality.

Q5: Who is responsible for implementing the court’s toll plaza order?

The primary responsibility lies with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also been asked to cooperate on potential management and revenue-sharing solutions.