Breather for public services as NGT extends stay on 10-year ban in Delhi-NCR

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal today extended till May 18 a stay on its order banning plying of diesel vehicles over 10 years old in Delhi-NCR, providing relief to public utility services even as it slammed the authorities for not coming out with suggestions to reduce air pollution.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar extended the stay after Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, appearing for Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, requested the tribunal to grant more time to file Centre's suggestion on methods to reduce vehicular pollution.

"ASG submits that she would advise the ministry to hold meeting of ministries and public authorities concerned in order to find out a solution to the problem of air pollution. We have no objections. Meanwhile, stay to continue," the bench said while posting the matter for hearing on May 18.

The tribunal slammed the Centre, Delhi government and other authorities concerned for not submitting their suggestions on various issues like capping the total number of registrations, hiking parking fee and other initiatives to curb air pollution in the capital.

"You have done nothing in compliance to our orders. It is very sad. All of you know how to make excuses. Why don't you sit together and give suggestions and formulate? Whole India is supposed to respond to this issue.

"NCT-Delhi, Petroleum Ministry, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Ministry of Urban Development, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana have not submitted any suggestion in terms of our order dated April 13... We make it clear that if they do not comply to our orders we would be compelled to proceed in the matter and forfeit their right to reply. Let the needful be done in two weeks," the bench said.

Regarding congestion in Chandni Chowk, the NGT said since the Delhi High Court is already hearing the matter, it is not proper to run "parallel" proceedings in the tribunal.

"It is brought to our notice that Delhi High Court is dealing with Chandni Chowk matter. In the light of this, we do not see any reason to interfere in the matter," the bench said.

On the issue of filling of gaps on central verge between Savitri Cinema in GK-II and Alaknanda in South Delhi, the bench directed PWD to fix lights for U-turn and ensure that there is no gap, "not even an inch".