Monitor Delhi entry points: Top court takes note of India Today pollution report

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Delhi Police to set up check posts at all 113 entry points after taking note of an India Today report that revealed how polluting diesel trucks and buses were freely plying on the roads despite a ban.
The top court bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih blasted the Delhi government after it said that vigil was maintained primarily at 13 major entry points for ensuring compliance with GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) IV guidelines.
As per GRAP IV guidelines, the entry of BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers is prohibited in Delhi. The measure was implemented as the air quality in Delhi touched the “severe plus” category this week.
“Out of 113, almost 100 entry points are unmanned in the sense that there is nobody to check the entry of trucks… We direct the Delhi government and Delhi Police to ensure that check posts are immediately set up at all 113 entry points,” the Supreme Court said.
The top court also expressed displeasure over non-compliance with GRAP IV guidelines.
“As far as stopping entry of trucks and entry of vehicles registered outside Delhi is concerned, we are not satisfied. The (Delhi) government has not stated clearly as to at how many entry points, there are teams present to prevent the entry of vehicles,” it said.
“Personnel who monitor these points should be clearly told what the accepted items are mentioned in the order issued by the government of Delhi. Trucks and other vehicles covered by clause 1 and 2 carrying only items in clause 3 should be allowed entry. There is failure on the part of the Delhi government and police to implement clauses.”
The Supreme Court has also ordered to hand over CCTV materials recorded at the 13 entry points and informed that it had asked bar members to inspect the monitoring.
“We asked members of the bar to go and check those points. We are happy to note that 13 young members of the bar have volunteered to act as commissioner of this court.”
The court added that it would review reports from the 13 court-appointed lawyers on Monday and the GRAP IV will remain in effect in Delhi until then, when it will decide whether to lift or continue the restrictions.
WHAT THE INDIA TODAY INVESTIGATION FOUND
The India Today probe team found glaring negligence in imposing the GRAP IV restrictions despite the Supreme Court directing Delhi-NCR states to immediately establish teams to ensure strict enforcement. The court had said that the curbs should remain even if the AQI dipped below 450.
The India Today team found that BS-4 diesel trucks were being turned back at checkpoints by the Delhi and Noida police at the Delhi-Noida-Direct flyway.
One such truck, NL01 L6303, registered on January 12, 2015 (BS-4), was seen plying in Delhi.
“I am coming from Odisha and heading to Delhi. I paid Rs 200 to the police to get through,” the truck driver told India Today.
Another truck, NL01 AA1794, registered on September 20, 2006, had a pollution certificate from 2022. A third truck, NL01 AH3070, registered as a BS-3 vehicle, was also seen entering Delhi after passing through the toll booth.
According to the GRAP IV guidelines, only trucks carrying essential goods, or operating on LNG, CNG, BS-VI, or electricity are allowed to enter Delhi. Non-essential light commercial vehicles registered outside Delhi are also barred from entry, except for EVs and CNG ones.