CPI-M-led LDF government in Kerala is exploring ways to overcome the practical problems it faced in the wake of the National Green Tribunal's recent restrictions on diesel powered vehicles.
State Transport Minister A K Saseendran discussed the issue with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who entrusted the former to take suitable steps to solve the issue.
"We are not against the NGT and its functioning. But, the recent order has resulted in certain practical problems affecting the people," Saseendran said here today.
"After consulting with legal experts, government will take a decision whether to go in for an appeal in the High Court, Supreme Court or in the Tribunal itself," Saseendran said, adding, "government is not against any steps for the preservation and protection of environment." NGT's Kochi circuit bench had recently banned registration of diesel vehicles of 2000cc or above in Kerala and also barred all diesel vehicles, whether light or heavy, that are older than 10 years from plying on roads in major cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur.
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, already facing financial crisis, also would have to phase out some of its carriers as per the order, it was pointed out.
