What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: In a decisive move to tackle Delhi’s persistent air pollution, the Supreme Court has appointed 13 advocate commissioners to assess the enforcement of restrictions on truck entry from neighbouring regions. This directive was issued during a hearing on Friday by a Bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih.
The Court expressed concerns over the inadequate monitoring at Delhi’s 113 entry points, noting that only 13 of these checkpoints are under strict surveillance. This prompted the Court to assign the advocate commissioners the task of inspecting these 13 critical points to ensure compliance with Stage IV measures of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The advocate commissioners have been instructed to verify the enforcement of the prescribed restrictions and document their findings through photographs. They are required to submit a comprehensive report by Saturday, which the Court will review on Monday. Additionally, CCTV footage from the entry points dating back to April 18 is to be provided for further scrutiny.
Acknowledging the significant gap in enforcement, the Court directed the Delhi government and Delhi Police to establish checkposts at all 113 entry points. It emphasized the need for clear instructions to personnel manning these posts regarding permissible vehicle entries, particularly those carrying essential commodities.
The Bench also highlighted the broader pollution crisis, citing stubble burning in neighbouring states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh as a major contributor. Recent orders under GRAP’s Stage IV measures have already mandated school closures and other restrictive actions to address the crisis.
This move underscores the Court’s determination to ensure robust implementation of pollution control measures, holding authorities accountable for lapses in enforcing critical regulations.
