Vehicles older than 15-years not permitted to ply on Delhi roads: NGT

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on 26 November 2014 held that all vehicles which are more than 15-years-old would not be permitted to ply on Delhi roads.

This direction would be applicable to all vehicles without exception i.e. two wheelers, three wheelers, four wheelers, light vehicles and heavy vehicles irrespective of whether commercial or otherwise.

Besides, the bench of Green tribunal also directed the concerned authorities to take appropriate steps in accordance with the provisions of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, including seizure of the vehicles, wherever such vehicles of this age are noticed. The bench strictly directed the transport officers not to renew registration of vehicles which are over 15-years-old.

The Tribunal also said that no person will be permitted to burn plastic or any other material in the open. In its order, the bench said that in case any person is found burning plastic or any other material including tree leaves in the open, would be liable to be punishment in accordance with law and the Police, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and NCT.

Further, the green tribunal found that haphazard parking resulted in traffic congestion where vehicles stuck in jam keep their engines on and cause more pollution. In this regard, the tribunal directed the Commissioner of Police of Delhi, Municipal Authorities and DPCC to ensure that tarred roads for regular traffic are not permitted to be used for parking thus causing avoidable congestion of traffic.

The decision was passed by a bench, headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar. The decision was passed while hearing a petition of Vardhaman Kaushik who had contended that the level of particulates in Delhi is raising manifold and the reasons for which should be identified and curbed.

Delhi has the dubious status of being the world’s most polluted city according to World Health Organisation (WHO).