National Green Tribunal refuses to budge on loading, unloading of goods

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal today refused to modify its ban order on loading and unloading of goods in the capital between 11 AM and 8 PM and said any change in the order would only add to air pollution.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, after considering the views of Delhi government and the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, declined to grant relief to traders on the plea of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

"We are of the view that the relief sought for cannot be granted. By permitting loading and unloading during day hours, we will add to the traffic chaos and air pollution," the bench said.

The bench however made it clear that there was no prohibition on regular commercial activity in the markets during the day time.

The green panel had on March 16 directed that "in all the markets, particularly Lajpat Nagar, Karol Bagh, South Extension, Chandni Chowk and other densely polluted markets, loading and unloading would not be allowed from 11 AM to 8 PM every day".

The bench had asked CAIT to submit suggestions to decongest traffic in Chandni Chowk area and other markets.

Advocate Shilpi Jain, appearing for CAIT, had told NGT that as per Delhi Shops and Establishments Act no employee can be made to work for more than eight hours a day and thus loading and unloading of goods after 8 PM would require additional labour resulting in incurring of greater costs.

"Essential items like milk, vegetables, fruits etc. have to be dropped at outlets like Mother Dairy thrice a day. These items are perishable and cannot be stored for long," Jain had said while seeking modification of the NGT order.