All previous NGT orders, including on odd-even exemptions, will stand; Delhi, UP, Punjab, and Haryana asked to chalk out comprehensive action plan in two weeks.
The National Green Tribunal has lifted the ban on construction activities in Delhi. This comes after air quality levels in the capital gradually improved over the course of the week, with PM 2.5 levels dropping below the emergency level of 300. It had imposed the ban on 9 November, with the Delhi smog at its peak.
The apex green body took the latest decision at a Friday hearing headed by its chairperson Justice (retd) Swatanter Kumar, after lawyers appearing for builders and industrialists requested it to lift the ban Thursday.
However, the NGT directed the Delhi government to take preventive measures to control air pollution, so that such a situation does not arise again. It also warned that strict action will be taken if any builder dumps sewage in the open.
The NGT also ordered Delhi and neighbouring states of UP, Punjab, and Haryana to chalk out a complete action plan, which will have a direct impact on the air pollution levels. This plan is to be based on the Graded Response Action Plan, as well as previous instructions of the NGT. The states have been directed to file this within two weeks.
Although the ban on entry of heavy vehicles in Delhi was lifted Thursday, the NGT told the government that strict regulations need to be put in place.
The NGT also observed that sprinkling of water helped in bringing down levels of pollutants in the ambient air quality after being tested at ITO, and directed all concerned governments of Delhi and neighbouring states to ensure that such steps are taken in future in the interest of public health.
The NGT made it clear that all other directions given in previous hearings in relation to emissions from industries, burning of waste, burning of crop residue, and emissions from vehicles shall continue to be in force on the basis of the precautionary principle.
NGT’s 11 November order of not exempting women and two-wheelers from the ‘odd-even’ car rationing scheme still stands as well.