Green body raps Delhi govt for failing to furnish reports on air quality

The National Green Tribunal on Monday rapped the Delhi government and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for failing to furnish reports on data of ambient air quality in Delhi.

The National Green Tribunal on Monday rapped the Delhi government and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for failing to furnish reports on data of ambient air quality in Delhi. The data was taken during the recently concluded second phase of the odd-even scheme.

File photo during the second phase of the odd-even scheme.(Sonu Mehta / HT Photo)

“We have asked the CPCB and the Delhi government to give reports on air quality prior to odd-even, during odd-even and thereafter. Give us the report,” the green panel said.

Responding to the query, the counsel appearing for the CPCB asked for some time to file the report.

“This is very strange. Every time you seek more time,” the NGT said and fixed the matter for hearing on May 11.

It directed both the CPCB and the Delhi government to take clear instructions on these issues by the next date of hearing.

The tribunal also asked the Delhi government why it was not tackling pollution from dust and waste-burning. “Why don’t you (Delhi government) emphasise the issues the way you did during odd-even? Get complete instructions on these issues,” a bench, headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, told the counsel for Delhi government.

The tribunal had earlier rapped the Delhi Police, asking why it had not taken any action against over 15-year-old vehicles from plying on the roads in the Capital.

The police had told the bench that they had challaned around 1,000 such vehicles and also started impounding them. The green panel had also pulled up the Delhi government for its failure to implement the order.

Earlier, the tribunal had asked the government and other authorities to create awareness about air pollution caused by vehicular emissions and the burning of municipal solid waste. It told them to issue advertisements on the lines of the odd-even scheme.