Supreme Court asks Delhi, three states to spell out steps to curb vehicular emissions

The sharp increase in vehicular emissions warrant urgent intervention the Supreme Court has said while directing the governments of Delhi and three neighbouring states to apprise it about the steps taken to prevent the entry and operation of overage vehicles within the National Capital RegionThe apex court directed the governments of Delhi Uttar Pradesh Rajasthan and Haryana the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Police to file detailed responses indicating any further shortterm and longterm measures proposed or contemplated to mitigate vehicular emissions and reduce their contribution to the deteriorating air quality in DelhiNCRIt also directed them to file responses on measures presently in place to identify monitor and regulate vehicles that do not conform to the prescribed emission standards including the enforcement of Pollution Under Control PUC certification requirementsA bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana asked these authorities to apprise it about the existing regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms governing the entry and plying of commercial and noncommercial vehicles within Delhi and the NCR particularly those originating from neighbouring statesThe top court passed the order on November 6 while hearing a suo motu case on curbing air pollution in the NCRThe bench noted that data presented before it indicated a substantial decline in incidents of stubble burning across Delhi and the states of Uttar Pradesh Haryana and RajasthanWhile this development is certainly laudable the same data also brings to the fore a converse and equally pressing concern namely the sharp increase in issues attributable to vehicular emissions it saidThe top court said it must be borne in mind that Delhi and NCR by virtue of their geographical and economic interconnectedness bear the cumulative burden of vehicular traffic originating not merely within their own boundaries but also from neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh Haryana and RajasthanThe situation is further compounded by the substantial volume of both commercial and noncommercial vehicles entering and plying within the city from different parts of the region thereby adding to the existing vehicular emission load it saidThere can be little doubt that the issue warrants urgent and immediate intervention the bench saidIt asked these authorities to apprise it about the steps taken to prevent the entry and operation of overage endoflife or otherwise noncompliant vehicles within the NCRThe bench also sought response on enforcement measures undertaken against violations including the number of vehicles inspected challaned denied entry or otherwise proceeded against during the relevant periodIt sought responses on coordination mechanisms between the authorities of Delhi and neighbouring states for regulating interstate vehicular movement and ensuring compliance with applicable emission normsThe respective authorities shall also indicate the specific measures proposed to strengthen the existing enforcement mechanisms together with a timebound roadmap for their implementation the bench saidIt asked the states to place on record their submissions within two weeks on steps taken by them their responses to the suggestions of the Commission for Air Quality Management CAQM and the amicus curiae and any action that they independently propose to take moving forwardThe bench directed the apex court registry to list the suo motu case related to vehicular emissions and pollution in DelhiNCR on November 23It said that suo motu cases related to conservation and enhancement of green cover and pollution by construction activities power plants and other industries would be listed for hearing on November 30 and November 26 respectivelyThe bench said suo motu case concerning solid waste management and burning of crop residue and firecrackers would be listed on November 25While hearing the matter on November 6 the bench had expressed serious concern over the recurring air pollution crisis in DelhiNCR and termed vehicular emissions a major contributor to the deteriorating air qualityIt had also expressed concern over bumpertobumper traffic in DelhiNCRThe top court had highlighted the large number of vehicles plying on roads connecting Delhi with neighbouring areas including Ghaziabad Greater Noida Gurugram and FaridabadDuring the hearing the Centre had informed the bench that restrictions on the entry of vehicles below BSVI standards were being implemented while PUC certificates were being linked to the location where vehicle checks were conductedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever