The Supreme Court on Tuesday strongly criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for seeking a two-month adjournment on the issue of toll plaza closures or relocation at Delhi borders. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that such delays reflect a failure to act on the worsening air quality in the National Capital Region.

The top court directed the CAQM to begin considering long-term, phased solutions to curb pollution immediately. The bench emphasized that the commission must act independently and not be swayed by the positions of various stakeholders while addressing the toll plaza issue.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the court instructed the CAQM to convene a meeting of experts within two weeks and submit a report detailing the major causes of pollution in Delhi-NCR. The bench noted that public discussions, expert articles, and widespread media coverage have already highlighted several contributing factors.

Also Read: Raghav Chadha in Rajya Sabha: Toll Plazas Are Organised Loot on Indian Commuters

The Supreme Court specifically pointed out that heavy vehicles contribute significantly to Delhi’s air pollution and demanded actionable strategies to address this source immediately. The bench expressed disapproval of CAQM’s earlier approach of deferring decisions, stating, “By holding a meeting on January 2 and telling us that we will come after two months, that is not acceptable to us.”

The court’s remarks underscored its frustration with the lack of proactive measures from the pollution watchdog. It stressed that the CAQM must take its responsibility seriously, implement temporary measures at toll plazas without delay, and simultaneously plan for sustainable, long-term pollution control strategies.

Also Read: Ladakh Citizen Groups Accuse Centre of Delaying Talks on Sixth Schedule, Statehood