SC Asks NHAI, MCD to Shift or Close Delhi’s Toll Plazas
New Delhi: Taking serious notice of severe air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a set of directions and asked NHAI and MCD to consider temporarily closing or shifting nine toll plazas on the borders of the national capital to ease the usual heavy traffic congestion. The apex court described the pollution crisis as an “annual event” and called for pragmatic and practical solutions to combat the menace.
However, he refused to interfere with the Delhi government’s decision to close schools for students from kindergarten to Class 5, arguing that there was no need for further intervention as the winter holidays were approaching.
In a bid to ease vehicular congestion at Delhi’s borders, a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant has asked the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to consider relocating or temporarily closing nine toll plazas at the capital’s entry points.
The MCD has been specifically directed to take a decision within a week on whether these toll plazas can be temporarily closed to facilitate smoother traffic flow and reduce vehicular emissions.
The Board underlined the need to effectively implement existing measures rather than merely framing protocols that are not being adhered to.
“Let us consider pragmatic and practical solutions to the threat,” the Chief Justice said, noting that although preventive mechanisms existed, their implementation was consistently weak.
Considering the impact of pollution-related restrictions on livelihoods, the bench directed the Delhi government to immediately verify construction workers stranded idle due to curbs and ensure financial assistance is transferred directly to their bank accounts.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Delhi government, informed the bench that around 7,000 workers have been verified so far out of around 2.5 lakh registered construction workers and assured that the money will be directly transferred to their accounts.
However, the panel warned against any leakage in the process, observing that “money transferred to workers’ accounts should not be lost or go to another account.”
He also asked the Delhi government to consider providing alternative jobs to construction workers who cannot earn money due to restrictions imposed to reduce pollution.
Observing that air pollution has become a recurring phenomenon every winter, the panel directed the Commission on Air Quality Management (CAQM) to reconsider and strengthen its long-term strategies.
He also asked the CAQM and NCR governments to examine critical issues such as urban mobility, traffic management and encouraging farmers to avoid stubble burning, emphasizing that piecemeal approaches will not solve the crisis.
The bench has now listed the PIL filed by environmentalist MC Mehta on January 6 for further guidance and reiterated that this plea should be heard at least twice a month throughout the year.
