NGT raps NCR states, suggests use of choppers to sprinkle water

NEWDELHI: After a week-long spell of high pollution in Delhi’s air, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday pulled up the governments of Delhi and the neighbouring states for not acting promptly and not implementing ‘emergency measures’ when it was needed the most.

The green court said that if the particulate levels (with diameter less than 2.5 micrometers and 10 micrometers) were to cross the prescribed levels, helicopters should be used to sprinkle water in the Delhi-NCR region and the construction and demolition activities should be stopped immediately for a few days, till the level comes under control.

The green court also set up a central and state-level monitoring committee to prepare action plans to combat pollution and ordered the Delhi government to implement the ban on old dieselrun vehicles in the city along with other steps.

The bench ordered the neighbouring states also to ban old diesel vehicles.

“When the levels of PM10 reach above 431 and PM2.5 levels cross the 251 mark, the air quality is ‘severe’, the government should immediately implement the emergency plan in such situa- tions. The governments of neighbouring states should also consider banning diesel vehicles older than 10 years. Brick kilns and thermal power plants will also need to be closed,” said NGT chairperson, Swatanter Kumar.

Lawyers told the bench a mark of 150 PM2.5 and 300 PM10 is achievable in Delhi.

Identifying stubble burning as a primary source of pollution, the green court said that all state committees will have to notify at least one district in their jurisdiction where agricultural activities is high and ensure a thorough ban on stubble burning there, so that the model can be implemented in other districts.