‘CAQM failing in its duty’: SC raps central pollution body over toll plaza closures at Delhi borders

 The Supreme Court of India has once again expressed serious concern over air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). In a strong observation, the apex court said that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is “failing in its duty” while dealing with the issue of toll plaza closures at Delhi borders. The remarks came during a hearing related to worsening air quality and traffic congestion caused by ad-hoc measures.

What is CAQM?

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body formed to monitor, coordinate, and take action for improving air quality in Delhi and NCR. It was created to ensure a unified and effective approach to fight pollution, replacing earlier temporary arrangements.

However, the Supreme Court feels that the commission has not been proactive or efficient enough in handling key decisions, especially regarding toll plaza closures, which are directly affecting traffic flow and pollution levels.

Why Did the Supreme Court Criticize CAQM?

The court was hearing petitions related to air pollution control measures in Delhi-NCR. During the proceedings, the bench observed that:

• Toll plazas at Delhi borders are being closed without proper planning
• These closures are leading to massive traffic jams
• Traffic congestion increases vehicular emissions, making air quality even worse
• CAQM is not giving clear, well-thought-out directions

The Supreme Court said that such decisions should be based on scientific data and proper assessment, not on knee-jerk reactions.

Impact of Toll Plaza Closures on Air Pollution

Toll plazas play a critical role in regulating traffic movement. When they are closed:

• Vehicles get stuck for long hours
• Engines remain running, increasing carbon monoxide and particulate emissions
• Emergency services and essential supplies face delays
• Commuters suffer both health and economic losses

Instead of reducing pollution, unplanned toll closures often worsen the situation.

The court made it clear that pollution control measures should not create new problems while trying to solve existing ones.

Supreme Court’s Strong Words

The bench reportedly said that CAQM is “failing in its duty” by not managing ground-level execution properly. It emphasized that:

“You cannot create chaos on roads in the name of pollution control.”

The judges also questioned whether CAQM is consulting traffic experts, environmental scientists, and local authorities before issuing such orders.

Need for a Balanced Approach

The Supreme Court stressed the importance of a balanced and coordinated approach. Some key suggestions included:

• Better traffic management planning
• Use of technology to monitor pollution and traffic flow
• Advance communication with public and authorities
• Avoiding sudden decisions that disrupt daily life

The court reminded that the objective is to reduce pollution, not increase public suffering.

Public Reaction and Concerns

The general public has welcomed the court’s observations. Many commuters and transporters have complained that:

• Toll plaza closures create confusion and long detours
• No clear instructions are given
• Traffic police are often unprepared for sudden changes

Social media users have also pointed out that poor planning leads to fuel wastage, stress, and productivity loss.

Air Pollution: A Serious Health Crisis

Delhi’s air pollution problem is not new. Every winter, the city faces:

• Severe smog
• Poor visibility
• Spike in respiratory illnesses
• School closures and work-from-home advisories

Major causes include:

• Vehicular emissions
• Construction dust
• Crop burning in neighboring states
• Industrial pollution

The Supreme Court has repeatedly intervened to protect citizens’ right to clean air, which is part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

What the Court Expects from CAQM

The Supreme Court has made it clear that CAQM must:

• Act with accountability and responsibility
• Base decisions on data and expert advice
• Coordinate better with state governments and agencies
• Avoid actions that create public inconvenience
• Present clear action plans for pollution control

The court also hinted that if the commission fails to improve, stricter scrutiny and directions may follow.

The Way Forward

To effectively tackle air pollution, experts suggest:

• Promoting public transport and electric vehicles
• Improving road infrastructure to reduce congestion
• Strict action against polluting vehicles and industries
• Use of real-time monitoring systems
• Better coordination between Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan

A long-term, sustainable policy is needed instead of temporary fixes.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s sharp criticism of CAQM serves as a wake-up call. While controlling air pollution is extremely important, it cannot be done through poorly planned actions that cause traffic chaos and public distress.