National Green Tribunal: In an application regarding the worsening air quality in Delhi and NCR region, the three-member Bench comprising of Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Justice Sudhir Agarwal (Judicial Member), Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member) noted that instead of improving, the air quality had gone from bad to worse falling in very poor and severe category, and directed the authorities to take all possible measures to ensure that air quality improves in Delhi.
The Tribunal had called for reports from various authorities and the status of Air Quality Index (AQI) from 20-10-2023 till 07-11-2023 was considered and it was found that instead of improving, the air quality had gone from bad to worse falling in very poor and severe category, hence, the respondents were directed to take stringent measure so that the AQI in Delhi and NCR region improves.
Further, the Tribunal noted the AQI from 09-11-2023 till 19-11-2023 and found that in a block of past 11 days the air quality was severe for three days, very poor for five days and poor for three days. Therefore, the Tribunal said that there was no significant improvement in the air quality.
On perusal of the action taken report by CPCB, the Tribunal found that only the measure relating to control of dust emission using dust suppressant have been found to be effective and that the pilot study for assessment of reducing air pollution in urban areas by using outdoor cleaning systems (Smog Tower) is under evaluation. The Tribunal said that however, the action plan had failed to provide concrete proposals and action taken thereof which would indicate an improvement in the air quality. Therefore, the Tribunal said that it is difficult to accept the stand of different authorities that they are taking all possible measures to control air pollution and improve the air quality because Delhi’s AQI did not indicate any significant improvement. Thus, the Tribunal directed the authorities to take all possible measures to ensure that Delhi’s air quality is improved.
The Tribunal also perused the Hindu newspaper report dated 20-11-2023 which disclosed severe health hazards faced by residents of different age group and category on account of poor air quality. Therefore, considering the human health aspect, the Tribunal directed that the authorities are expected to take best possible measure so that air quality in the city improves.
The matter was further listed for hearing on 29-11-2023.
[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”]
