NGT asks CPCB to clarify stand on thermal plants air pollution

The National Green Tribunal on Friday directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to clarify its stand on coal-based thermal power plants which were causing emission beyond permissible limits resulting in air pollution, reports PTI.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar asked the apex pollution monitoring body to take clear instructions from its officers and apprise it about the status of thermal power plants which were causing pollution.

“The environment ministry had issued a notification on air pollution emission standards and water consumption for coal-based thermal power plants. Show us one plant where compliance has been done. We direct the CPCB would take clear instructions (from its officers)on the next date of hearing,” the bench said.

During the hearing, advocate Ritwick Dutta, appearing for the petitioner, environment activist Sunil Dahiya, said that the ministry has failed to take action against erring power plants and many of them were operational which was in violation to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) notification.

The matter will be heard on December 7.

The NGT had earlier rapped the MoEF for not abiding by its directions on implementation of a notification on air pollution emission standards and water consumption for coalbased thermal power plants.

The tribunal was hearing Dahiya’s plea seeking a direction to the environment ministry and the environmental impact assessment authorities of all the states to ensure that all new approvals comply with the standards provided in the December 7, 2015 notification. NEW DELHI: There are certain roads which remain congested despite alternative routes being available. Congestion charge on such roads will ease traffic and prompt people to use alternative routes, the officer said.

An electronic system, like the ones in London and Singapore, will be launched for smooth implementation of congestion charge, if the study finds it feasible.

The meeting also discussed the possibility of introducing one-way traffic on certain roads.

“All roads of Delhi have a two-way traffic system which means only one half of the road is available for traffic. We have to see where the system can be implemented for effective traffic movement,” said the officer.

Delhi mulling congestion charge