New Delhi: Observing that high level of air pollution in Delhi is a cause of concern, the Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre and the Delhi government to examine whether higher compensatory surcharge ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 1,200 can be imposed on trucks entering or passing through the city.
A three-judge bench of Chief Justice H.L. Dattu and Justices Arun Mishra and A.K. Goel sought the response on an application moved by senior advocate and amicus curiae Harish Salve seeking a direction to increasing the surcharge amount for commercial vehicles entering Delhi.
Mr Salve submitted that Delhi air pollution levels were higher than other major cities in the rest of the world. Metros in other parts of the world close down when respirable suspended particulate matter, which is particularly toxic for human health, crosses 250 ppm. But last winter, it touched such limits within this court and was close to 1,000 ppm in a place like Lodhi Gardens.”
He submitted that 50,000 commercial vehicles enter Delhi and these polluters must pay and this will help the state government to invest in clean transport system and to keep vehicular emissions down.
When Mr Salve said that he is taking steroids and his daughter is suffering from asthma, the Chief Justice responded saying, “This is an important case and in fact my grandson wears mask. I feel the media must report this case in the front page.”
Mr Salve in his application said MCD records suggest that 22,628 commercial heavy vehicles enter the city daily through the nine main entry and exit points, but the CSE study puts it at a higher 38,588. Mr Salve said that this was making the problem of air pollution acute for all, especially for children and older sections, he said.
Two-axle trucks and light commercial vehicles, apart from taxis, should be charged Rs 600, the application said. This would narrow the gap between the costs they would incur if they used the toll roads. Charges for toll roads are almost three times higher than the costs south-bound vehicles incur when they cut through the city, Mr Salve’s application said.
He also suggested that all such vehicles be fitted with radio frequency identification system of collecting such toll from December 1, 2015, to keep a check on the spiralling air pollution levels compounded by winter fog. The court had incidentally promised last year that it would deal sternly with the issue, but hasn’t been able to find the time to do so. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on October 8.
