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New Delhi: Taking serious note of the recurring air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to consider either temporarily closing or relocating nine toll plazas situated at the capital’s borders to ease chronic traffic congestion and curb vehicular emissions.
Calling air pollution an “annual feature” in the national capital, the top court stressed the need for pragmatic and practical solutions instead of repetitive emergency measures.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi modified its interim order of August 12 and permitted authorities to take coercive action against older vehicles that do not meet Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) emission norms.
One Week Deadline for MCD
The Bench specifically directed the MCD to take a decision within one week on whether the nine toll plazas under its control could be suspended temporarily, and place the decision on record.
“We have also asked the NHAI to consider the possibility of shifting the nine toll collection booths of the MCD to locations where they can be manned by NHAI, with a part of the toll proceeds diverted to the MCD to compensate for any temporary revenue loss,” the court said. “Meanwhile, the MCD must cooperate and consider suspending the toll plazas for a temporary period,” the CJI observed.
During the hearing, the court was informed that MCD toll booths — including those at the Gurugram border — were causing hours-long traffic snarls, contributing significantly to vehicular pollution.
“Why can’t officials simply say that till January there will be no toll plaza?” the CJI remarked, adding pointedly, “Tomorrow you may start placing toll booths inside Connaught Place because you need money.” The Bench suggested that the MCD prepare a concrete plan declaring “absolutely no toll plaza till January 31.”
No Relief on School Closure Order
The Supreme Court refused to interfere with the Delhi government’s decision to suspend physical classes for students from nursery to Class 5, noting that the measure was temporary and the winter break was approaching.“There is no need for this court to intervene,” the Bench said.
Construction Workers’ Livelihood
Acknowledging the impact of pollution curbs on daily wage earners, the court directed the Delhi government to urgently verify construction workers affected by the restrictions and ensure direct transfer of financial assistance to their bank accounts.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Delhi government, informed the court that around 7,000 workers had been verified so far out of approximately 2.5 lakh registered construction workers. The Bench cautioned against leakages, observing that “it should not be that money transferred to workers’ accounts disappears or travels to another account.” The court also asked the Delhi government to explore alternative employment options for construction workers rendered idle due to pollution-related restrictions.
Focus on Implementation, Not Paper Protocols
Underscoring systemic failures, the CJI stressed that framing protocols alone was not enough. “Let us think of pragmatic and practical solutions to this menace,” he said, emphasising effective implementation of existing measures rather than reactive policy-making. The matter will continue to be monitored by the court as authorities work on congestion, emissions, and worker relief amid worsening winter pollution in the capital.
