In a significant move to combat severe air pollution in the national capital, the Supreme Court on Friday issued directives to the Central Government to establish checkpoints at all 113 entry points into Delhi, including 13 major routes used by trucks.
The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, expressed concerns over the efficacy of measures to restrict vehicular pollution, particularly from heavy trucks. “It is very difficult for us to assume that the entry of trucks in Delhi has been stopped,” remarked the bench during the proceedings.
This directive follows ongoing hearings related to escalating air pollution levels in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). The court’s decision underscores the urgent need for effective enforcement mechanisms to control the influx of pollution-contributing vehicles into the city.
The counsel representing the Delhi government confirmed the total number of entry points, emphasizing the challenge in policing the movement of trucks, which are significant contributors to the air quality deterioration. The apex court’s order aims to ensure stringent monitoring and regulation of truck traffic, a key factor in the city’s pollution levels.
Previously on November 18, the Supreme Court had mandated all states within the Delhi-NCR to form teams to enforce the anti-pollution GRAP 4 restrictions strictly, with the court affirming that these restrictions would remain in effect until further notice.
