Green court bans old vehicles, waste burning

Taking decisive action to improve Delhi’s air quality, the National Green Tribunal Wednesday banned all vehicles over 15 years old, and ordered pollution checks for all state-run buses and the installation of ‘air purifiers’ in busy markets.

Taking decisive action to improve Delhi’s air quality, the National Green Tribunal Wednesday banned all vehicles over 15 years old, and ordered pollution checks for all state-run buses and the installation of ‘air purifiers’ in busy markets.

Traffic-congestion-during-the-Republic-Day-Rehearsals-at-ITO-in-New-Delhi-on-Thursday-Photo-by-Sushil-Kumar-Hindustan-Times

It also asked relevant authorities to crack down on open burning of plastic, leaves and other waste, and parking on tarred roads.

“It is undisputed and unquestionable that air pollution in Delhi is getting worse with each passing day... and worse is likely to follow,” the tribunal said.

“Police will tow away polluting vehicles and issue tickets. These can’t be parked in public areas,” it said, adding that there will be no renewal of registration or issuance of fitness certificates. The order is applicable to all two, three and four-wheelers, light and heavy vehicles, commercial and private.

“Polluting buses won’t ply and the Delhi Transport Corporation managing director will be responsible for compliance,” it added.

It directed authorities to create a special force to enforce these steps and a web portal where people can send in complaints. Seeking a report by January 9, it ordered construction of cycle tracks and bypasses for heavy vehicles, and banned overloaded trucks from plying.