Power projects in capital under NGT scanner over pollution

NEW DELHI: Power and thermal projects in the capital today came under the scanner of the National Green Tribunal which directed pollution monitoring bodies to take ambient air quality samples near them.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and a representative from the Environment Ministry to inspect all major government power and thermal projects in the capital.

"Let the samples of ambient air quality be taken and the analysis report be placed before the tribunal in one week. If the emission is found to be in excess then on the basis of the report, they would recommend steps to ensure that no pollution is caused," the bench said.

The green tribunal had earlier said that steps are required to be taken for ensuring quality of emissions released directly by government projects like Indraprastha, Badarpur and Raj Ghat, thermal power project and even other major plants run by the government and its instrumentalities within the standards prescribed by law.

It had also sought suggestions as to how the air pollution in Delhi can be checked immediately and the method by which ambient air quality can be restored to clean air standards.

Earlier, the tribunal had put on hold for 2 weeks its order to impound diesel vehicles more than 10 years old plying in the national capital.