Supreme Court questions toll plazas at Delhi borders, asks NHAI and MCD to act urgently to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion.
Case in NewsSupreme Court flags toll plazas worsening air pollution, asks NHAI and MCD to consider closure . |
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Case Overview
In the matter concerning deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR, the Supreme Court took serious note of traffic congestion at toll plazas . A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagch and Justice Vipul Pancholi examined the role of toll collection points in aggravating air pollution . Authorities including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) were heard on measures to ease congestion and reduce vehicular emissions at Delhi’s borders .
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Key Aspects
The case focused on ground realities affecting public health and daily life due to chronic congestion . The Court examined administrative inertia and the need for urgent policy intervention .
- Nine toll plazas operated by MCD were causing long vehicle queues at Delhi borders .
- Traffic congestion at toll booths significantly increased vehicular emissions .
- Gurgaon border toll congestion spilled into Delhi, worsening pollution levels .
- Authorities failed to take temporary suspension decisions despite recurring complaints .
Legal Insights
The Court’s observations were rooted in constitutional and environmental obligations of the State to protect public health and life .
- Article 21 of the Constitution : Right to life includes clean and healthy environment .
- Doctrine of Sustainable Development applied to urban traffic management .
- Statutory duties of NHAI and MCD to regulate traffic and public infrastructure .
- Public Trust Doctrine obligates authorities to prevent environmental harm .
Court’s Verdict
The Supreme Court directed NHAI to examine shifting or manning nine toll plazas currently run by MCD, with possible revenue-sharing arrangements . It asked MCD to consider temporarily suspending toll operations and ordered a decision within one week stressing urgent action to curb air pollution and traffic congestion .
Source – Supreme Court of India
Read also – Constitution
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