Kolkata: Eastern NGT Regional Bench from Justice B Amit Sthalekar (Judicial Member) and Saibal Gupta (Expert Members) gave a top priority in the elimination of old vehicles, both commercial and private, especially below the BS-IV standard.
NGT observations came after the petition submitted by Environmental Activist Ankur Sharma in connection with plying 13 commercial vehicles without values and valid puc certificates.
The bench observes that the exception of vehicles that are in accordance with BS-III is an antithesis of environmental law and licenses to pollute air – which is detrimental to public health – violates Article 21 of the Constitution.
All considerations override environmental health and the principles of sustainable development and the principle of prudence, which is now accepted as part of Article 21 of the Constitution.
In pursuing NGT commands on 11 August 2016 and May 26, 2017, non-BS-IV transportation vehicles registered outside of Kolkata and Howrah’s jurisdiction were not permitted to stay in the city after seven days.
Exceptions have been allowed for BS-III competencies that are in accordance with the inter-regional stage carriages that stab the designated routes and enter the city during a certain time schedule.
Similarly, exceptions have been allowed to compatence of all-bengal conflicts that are in accordance with BS-III registered outside of Kolkata, which brings passengers to the city only on the contract according to the provisions of the ACT motor vehicle, 1988, the bench observed.
It is a high time for the country to ensure that public transport vehicles under BS-IV are removed quickly and it’s only a BS-VI Ply vehicle.
A committee was formed by the transportation department regarding the search for old commercial vehicles after the Vardhaman Kaushik assessment.
From March 2020 onwards, the committee cannot meet regularly because of a pandemic.
The Committee requires more time to send its findings and recommendations.
West Bengal: NGT Lens on Old Pollution Vehicles
