Supreme Court Suggests Suspension of Toll Collection to Combat Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR
Supreme Court's Directive on Air Pollution
During a hearing regarding air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, the Supreme Court made a significant recommendation to suspend toll collection at the borders of Delhi. Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized that generating revenue through tolls cannot take precedence when pollution levels are alarmingly high. He stated that in such severe pollution conditions, revenue from tolls is not a priority. The Supreme Court expressed its intention to devise a concrete plan for the operation of toll plazas at Delhi's borders by January 31 of the following year. Furthermore, the court suggested that toll collection should be halted from October 1 to January 31, as this period sees peak pollution levels in the national capital. The Chief Justice also ordered the issuance of a notice regarding this matter.
NHAI Acknowledges the Notice
A senior advocate representing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) accepted the court's notice. The bench instructed the NHAI to consider relocating the nine toll booths operated by the Delhi Municipal Corporation to different locations where NHAI personnel could be deployed. The court also recommended evaluating the removal or relocation of toll booths, taking into account the temporary losses incurred during such changes. It was suggested that a portion of the toll revenue collected by NHAI could be shared with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The Chief Justice further remarked that toll plazas on national highways should be established at intervals of 50 kilometers instead of the current 5 to 10 kilometers, which could help divert some traffic and potentially reduce congestion and pollution near the city limits.
Consideration for Temporary Closure of Toll Plazas
The Supreme Court has directed authorities to consider the temporary closure of the nine toll plazas located around Delhi. The court requested a decision to be made within a week and recorded. The bench emphasized the need for immediate administrative action to maintain a balance between environmental concerns and infrastructure management.