National Green Tribunal Takes Suo Moto Action Against Rising Air Pollution In Delhi

The principal bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday, took suo moto cognizance of rising air pollution in Delhi. The Tribunal referred to various newspaper reports that highlighted the deteriorating air quality index.

Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Dr. A. Senthil Vel said, “Having regard to the concern expressed in these reports, we have taken this matter in suo motu exercise of power which is permissible in terms of the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.”

While issuing notice, NGT impleaded the Chief Secretary, Delhi, Member Secretary, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Commissioner, MCD, Member Secretary, Central Pollution Control Committee, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as respondents in the matter.

The Tribunal noted that a report in ‘Indian Express’ titled “GRAP Stage 1 kicks in as air quality dips to poor, condition likely to prevail till Sunday”, as per the said report, the air quality for the relevant day had deteriorated from Air Quality Index (AQI) 177 to AQI 212, whereas the AQI between 201 and 300 is considered to be ‘poor’ and can cause breathing discomfort to most people on prolonged exposure.

Furthermore, the bench referred to other newspaper coverage wherein violation of environmental norms by construction activities in Delhi was reported.

The newspaper report of today i.e. 20.10.2023 published in ‘The Times of India’ further states that the Delhi air quality in the meanwhile is likely to deteriorate to ‘poor’ category. Another report published in the same newspaper states that Rs. 22.9 crore smog tower at Connaught Place is lying defunct for last 7 months,” noted the bench.

It added that, the expert opinion mentioned therein states that installation of such an expensive smog tower was a waste of money and it does not help in cleaning the city’s air quality.

In the light of the above, the Tribunal directed the impleaded authorities to file their action taken report on controlling air pollution from different sources in Delhi in accordance with Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), to maintain AQI in acceptable range to safeguard public health in view of winter season ahead, on or before the next date of hearing.

The matter is listed for November 08, for further consideration.

Title: In re: News item published in Indian Express dated 07.10.2023 titled “GRAP Stage 1 kicks in as air quality dips to poor, condition likely to prevail till Sunday”

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