Trucks passing through Delhi flouting SC order: SCWLA to NGT

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has sought the Centre's response on a plea of a group of women lawyers, who have alleged that commercial vehicles passing through the capital were flouting directions of the apex court.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notice to Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), Central Pollution Control Board, and Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh governments on the plea of Supreme Court Women Lawyers Association (SCWLA).

SCWLA, represented through senior advocate Mahalakshmi Pavani, has contended that the Supreme Court in 2001 had categorically stated that vehicles which transit through Delhi neither adhere to the vehicular standards namely Euro-II nor they use low sulphur and benzene fuel.

"It is, therefore, proposed that with effect from January 15, 2002, no heavy, medium or light goods vehicles will ply on inter-state routes by passing through Delhi or New Delhi.

"It is only those goods vehicles which on payment of octroi/toll tax can carry goods to or from Delhi. Commissioner of Police is directed to formulate a scheme in this regard and give due publicity to all concerned and implement it," the apex court had said.

SCWLA has sought directions for framing of appropriate guidelines for diversion of the commercial vehicles which pass through Delhi and deputation of special police force on the borders to ensure action and check on entry of these vehicles.

"Delhiites are breathing poison. If we thought CNG had made the capital's air cleaner, then it's time for a reality check. The alarming pollution levels have blackened Delhi's air to such an extent that it ranks alongside coal town Jharia and unregulated industrial hubs like Ludhiana, Raipur and Kanpur," the plea, filed through advocate Bhakti Pasrija Sethi, said.