Deteriorating Air Quality in Delhi-NCR
The Supreme Court of India addressed the deteriorating air quality in the national capital, emphasizing the need for long-term measures over short-term solutions.
Supreme Court's Observations
- The three-member bench, including Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, noted that air purifiers are not a sustainable solution.
- Past efforts to improve air quality were acknowledged as inadequate.
- The issue will be reviewed twice monthly to ensure continuous focus on finding solutions.
Actions and Suggestions
- The Supreme Court urged the Centre, Delhi government, and involved parties to seek expert advice for a long-term resolution.
- The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) was directed to consider temporarily suspending toll collection at nine entry toll plazas to reduce vehicle congestion and subsequent pollution.
- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was tasked with exploring the relocation of these toll booths, potentially manned by NHAI, with compensation considerations for MCD.
Specific Directives
- NHAI highlighted border congestion attributed to MCD's toll operations.
- The Supreme Court ended protection for diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years meeting BS-III emission standards or lower in the NCR, including Delhi.
