Air pollution: SC asks Centre to respond to proposal to shift coal-based plants out of Delhi-NCR
The top court directed the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan to issue public notices inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders
The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Power to respond to suggestions that no new coal-based thermal power plant should be set up within 300 km of Delhi.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said it will examine the issue of vehicular air pollution on March 12 based on the suggestions made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to deal with the persistent air quality crisis in the National Capital Region (NCR) and to ensure better air quality.
The Bench asked the union ministries to respond to a proposal for shifting all coal-based industries out of Delhi-NCR to ensure better air quality. It also asked all the stakeholders to spell out their respective stand on the measures suggested by the CAQM to deal with dust due to construction and demolition activities.
Directing all stakeholders to file their respective status reports and proposals, it posted the matter for further hearing on March 12.
The top court directed the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan to issue public notices inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders, including the coal-based industries in the NCR.
These notices will be deemed as served by the court, and the states must submit an “Action Taken Plan” detailing the feedback received.
It asked the MoEFCC, the MoPNG and Ministry of Power to submit a joint proposal aimed at phasing out coal-based industries within the NCR. “The proposal shall firstly identify the industries and determine what alternative fuel sources can be provided for them,” it ordered.
The Bench also directed the Delhi Government to submit a specific action plan to implement these CAQM-recommended long-term solutions.
“The Commission has identified the concerned agencies expected to take action. We consequently direct the Delhi government to submit a proposed action plan to give effect to these measures,” it noted.
