NGT Directs 53 Cities to Submit Air Quality Reports, Pollution Reduction Measures”
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th Feb. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed 53 cities grappling with worsening air quality to furnish comprehensive reports detailing the contribution of each polluting source and the actions taken to mitigate pollution. The directive comes amidst concerns over the deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) in various urban centers across India, as documented by the Central Pollution Control Board.
During proceedings on December 5, the tribunal observed that several states had not fully utilized the funds allocated under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and the 15th Finance Commission. Additionally, it urged the concerned states to submit further action reports to address the issue.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member A Senthil Vel, noted the submission of additional reports by various entities, including the Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Delhi, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana.
The bench highlighted that 19 cities identified as non-attainment areas have been allocated ₹1644.4025 crore for air quality improvement. Emphasizing proper utilization of allocated funds, the NGT called upon the MoEF&CC to ensure effective utilization of assets created through these funds.
In its order dated February 19, the tribunal underscored road dust as a significant contributor to air pollution and urged authorities to undertake measures to mitigate road dust. Additionally, it mandated all 53 cities to disclose the contribution of each polluting source and demonstrate progressive reduction due to mitigation efforts.
The NGT instructed that a comprehensive report, detailing the aforementioned aspects, must be submitted at least one week prior to the next hearing scheduled for May 3, 2024, signaling the seriousness of the matter and the need for concerted action to combat air pollution across affected cities.
