Why Other Pollution Issues Not Given Emphasis As Odd-Even: Green Panel

New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal on Monday asked the Delhi government as to why it was not emphasising on the issues of pollution from dust and waste burning the way it had stressed on the odd-even scheme.

"Why do not you (Delhi government) emphasis on the issues of dust and waste burning in a way you have emphasised on odd-even? Get complete instructions on these issues," a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar told the counsel for Delhi government.

The tribunal was also irked that neither the Delhi government nor the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) have furnished reports on data of ambient air quality in Delhi recorded during the recently concluded second phase of odd-even scheme.

"We have asked the CPCB and GNCTD to give reports on air quality prior to odd-even, between odd-even and thereafter. Please tell us what has happened on this. Give us the report," the green panel said.

Responding to the query, the counsel appearing for CPCB sought some time to file the report.

"This is very strange. Everytime you seek time," the NGT said and fixed the matter for hearing on May 11.

It directed both CPCB and Delhi government to take clear instructions on these issues by the next date of hearing.

The tribunal had earlier rapped the Delhi Police asking why it has not taken any action against over 15-year-old vehicles from plying on the roads in the national capital.

The police had told the bench that they have challaned around 1,000 such vehicles and have also started to impound them.

The green panel had also pulled up Delhi government for its failure to implement its order banning vehicles more than 15 years old from plying on the roads in New Delhi.

Earlier, the tribunal had asked Delhi government and other authorities to create awareness about air pollution caused by vehicular emissions and burning of municipal solid waste and issue advertisements on the lines of the odd-even scheme.