The Supreme Court has increased its scrutiny of pollution control in Delhi by appointing thirteen advocate commissioners to monitor the implementation of restrictions on polluting trucks. Concerns were raised about the enforcement at only 13 of the 113 entry points. The Court emphasized the need for checkposts and effective monitoring across all entry points to combat Delhi’s air quality crisis.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday intensified its oversight of pollution control measures in Delhi, appointing thirteen advocate commissioners to assess whether its directives to restrict the entry of polluting trucks are being implemented effectively. This move comes amidst the escalating pollution crisis in the national capital, with questions raised about enforcement at Delhi’s 113 entry points.
A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih expressed concerns over the inadequate monitoring of diesel and polluting trucks entering Delhi. The Court was informed that while the city has 113 entry points, strict vigil is maintained at only 13 of these.
“Their job would be to ascertain that clauses (a) and (b) of STAGE IV (of the Graded Response Act Plan) are being implemented at those entry points or not,”
the Court stated.
The advocate commissioners will also be allowed to take photographs and must submit their detailed reports by tomorrow. Additionally, the Court directed the Delhi government to provide CCTV footage from these entry points, dating back to April 18, to assist in their assessment.
The Bench directed the Delhi government and police to ensure that all 113 entry points are equipped with checkposts, staffed by personnel who are clearly informed about the restricted and permitted commodities.
“This means that for other 100 points, there is no restriction on vehicles, which is banned under STAGE IV. We direct Delhi Government and Delhi Police to ensure that checkposts are immediately set up at all 113 entry points,”
the Bench observed.
The Court stressed the need for vigilance beyond the current 13 points, highlighting that effective enforcement is critical for curbing pollution.
The hearing is part of a broader case addressing Delhi’s air pollution crisis, including steps taken to curb stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh—major contributors to the deteriorating air quality. The Court had earlier called for the strict implementation of Stage IV measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which also led to the closure of physical classes in schools.
The Bench also touched upon previous failures in pollution control, including the widespread bursting of firecrackers during Diwali, despite a temporary ban. The Court had earlier asked the Delhi government to consider implementing a perpetual firecracker ban to curb pollution.
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In September, the Court criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its inadequate steps to tackle pollution effectively.
With the reports from advocate commissioners due soon, the Supreme Court will revisit the issue on Monday. This move underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that pollution control measures are not only announced but effectively enforced.
As Delhi continues to battle its air quality crisis, the Court’s intervention serves as a critical reminder that policy must translate into action at every level.
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