New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal has pulled up the Delhi government for its lackadaisical approach in implementing the green panel's directions to curb vehicular pollution in the capital.
"What steps have you taken in furtherance to our orders dated November 26, 2014. You have whole team of officers at your disposal, still you have done nothing.
"Studies have shown that Delhi's air pollution is very injurious to human health. Don't treat us strangers to Delhi," a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said which was anguished at the absence of the city government's main counsel.
The observations came while hearing a petition of Vardhaman Kaushik, who had contended that "the level of particulates in Delhi is rising manifold and the reasons for which should be identified and curbed".
During the hearing, the Tribunal also came down heavily on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and directed it, along with Delhi Pollution Control Committee and Central Pollution Control Committee, to conduct random inspection of 15 old and 10 new low floor buses to check if they comply to the environmental norms and whether they have a valid pollution control certificate.
Earlier, a report submitted by the Joint Commissioner of Transport had stated that 186 DTC buses were found without valid pollution under control certificate on December 28, 2014.
The Tribunal had directed NCT, Delhi and DPCC to create a web portal where any person aggrieved can take the photographs and upload the same with details of location etc. Bringing it to the notice of these authorities.
The Tribunal had also asked city government to ensure that tarred roads for regular traffic are not permitted to be used for parking thus causing avoidable congestion of traffic.
"Immediate steps will be taken by all the Respondents and concerned authorities to provide cycle tracks in Delhi and efforts should be made to encourage cycling in Delhi," the tribunal had said
"The concerned authorities particularly the NCT, Delhi and RTO, Delhi shall ensure that the trucks which are otherwise permitted to cross Delhi in accordance with law are not overloaded," it said.
The Tribunal had also directed the Environment Ministry, NCT of Delhi and DPCC to examine the possibility of installation of air purifiers in all the markets and crowded places or where the traffic load is heavier.
