The National Green Tribunal today indicated that it would not go back on its decision to ban plying of vehicles more than 15 years old on Delhi roads.
Sources said the Tribunal gave the indication during a meeting it had with stakeholders to devise modalities for implementation of its order banning plying of old vehicles.
During the two-hour discussion, officials from 18 departments, including officials from Ministry of Environment and Forests, Petroleum Ministry, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Delhi Police and various other departments were present.
The sources said the Tribunal said it has its "limitations" and the sole motive of the meeting was to ensure an "effective and fruitful discussion" of the whole issue to ensure its smooth implementation.
During the meeting, DPCC said in every scientific study it is stated that pollution is increasing in the national capital. Everything is regulated here but the aspect of pollution has to be seen in totality.
DPCC said only Delhi is not responsible for increasing levels of pollution and surrounding areas of the city also contribute to it.
The Tribunal had on November 26 held that all vehicles which were more than 15 years old would not be permitted to ply on the city roads due to increasing air pollution.
It has also directed CPCB and DPCC to check all DTC buses, even if operating on CNG, and if the buses are found emitting in excess of prescribed standards, they must not be permitted to ply. It had also passed a slew of other directions.
