Delhi Air Crisis: Supreme Court Calls Pollution Measures Ineffective, Seeks Closure of Toll Plazas

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sharply criticised the authorities over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi–NCR, describing the steps taken so far as a “total failure” and warning that ad-hoc measures will not solve the region’s chronic pollution problem.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, while continuing hearings on Delhi’s air pollution crisis, said that meaningful improvement would require long-term, well-planned strategies rather than temporary or reactive actions. Air quality across several parts of the national capital remains in the “severe” category.

“We must think of pragmatic and practical solutions to this menace,” the Chief Justice observed during the proceedings.

During the hearing, the court took note of congestion at toll plazas, particularly the MCD toll at Gurgaon, where long queues of vehicles were reported to be contributing to increased vehicular emissions. The bench directed the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) to cooperate and consider the temporary suspension of nine toll plazas, asking that a decision be taken within one week and placed on record.

“We do not want the income these tolls generate. What they generate is litigation and pollution,” the Chief Justice remarked, indicating that the court may consider a proposal for a complete suspension of toll plazas until January 31 next year.

The court also addressed the impact of pollution-related curbs on construction workers. It directed the Delhi government to verify affected workers and ensure that financial assistance reaches them directly through bank transfers, cautioning against fund diversion. The government was also asked to explore alternative employment options for those rendered idle due to restrictions.

In response, the Delhi government informed the court that around 7,000 construction workers have been verified so far out of an estimated 2.5 lakh affected workers, and that payments would be credited directly to their bank accounts.

On the issue of school closures and hybrid classes introduced as emergency measures, the Supreme Court declined to interfere with the Delhi government’s policy decisions. The bench observed that such steps were temporary in nature and aimed at protecting children and the elderly from health risks. It noted that these measures could be viewed as an extension of winter vacations, during which schools typically remain closed for 10 to 15 days.

The court also flagged the role of lifestyle choices among the affluent in worsening air quality, observing that the continued use of large diesel vehicles, generators and other polluting equipment undermines pollution-control efforts. The bench noted that while violations persist among the well-off, the poor and working classes bear the brunt of toxic air exposure.

Data presented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) showed that the transport sector contributes about 41% of Delhi–NCR’s ambient air pollution, followed by dust and construction activities at 21%, industry at 19%, power plants at 5%, residential sources at 3%, and other sources accounting for 11%. CAQM added that stubble burning is a seasonal factor, while other pollution sources remain constant throughout the year.