CAQM failing to fulfil its duty, lacks seriousness: SC

Directs to convene a panel meeting in two weeks and submit a report on causes of the worsening pollution

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Observing that the central pollution watchdog was “failing in its duty”, the Supreme Court on Tuesday rapped the authority for seeking a two-month adjournment on the issue of temporary closure or relocation of toll plazas at Delhi borders to ease traffic congestion.

The top court criticised the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) for lack of “seriousness” in its approach and said it appears to be in no hurry to either identify the causes of the worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi-NCR or long-term solutions.

Taking serious note of the severe air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, the court on December 17 last year issued a slew of directions and asked the National Highways Authority of India and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to consider either temporarily closing or relocating the civic body's nine toll plazas at Delhi borders to ease massive traffic congestion.