NGT lifts ban on construction GREEN BODY BANS SURFACE PARKING IN S. N. MARKET

Allows entry of trucks, says ban on industrial activities still on

New Delhi, Nov. 17: In a breather to real estate developers, the National Green Tribunal ( NGT) on Friday lifted the ban on construction activities in Delhi- NCR after noting improvement in the city’s ambient air quality, and allowed the entry of trucks to the national capital.

The green panel, however, refused to lift the ban on industrial activities causing pollution in the Delhi- National Capital Region.

“The prohibitory directions issued by the tribunal vide its previous two orders particularly in relation to construction activity would stand vacated.

“All the other directions in relation to emission from the industries, burning of waste and crop The National Green Tribunal on Friday banned parking in the city’s Sarojini Nagar market and said anyone found doing so would be liable to pay a fine of ` 5,000.

The environmental compensation of ` 5,000 would be in addition to the fines mentioned

residue shall continue to be enforced on the basis of precautionary principle,” a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said. under the Motor Vehicles Act, a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar declared.

The green panel directed shopkeepers and shoppers to park their vehicles in the multilevel parking lot, constructed by the New Delhi Municipal Council ( NDMC), which will remain open round- theclock.

The tribunal also directed the Delhi government and the neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to submit their action plans on steps taken to curb pollution within two weeks.

“We make it clear if the action plan is not filed before the tribunal within two weeks from today, we will be compelled to pass coercive order including the imposition of exemplary cost.

“All the state governments, state pollution control boards, Central Pollution Control Board and Delhi government should have complete preparedness for the coming eventualities when the parameters of ambient air quality would be severe or hazardous,” it said.

The NGT gave a green signal to the construction of the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways but said no dust pollution should be caused.