The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has capped the number of pilgrims who can visit the Vaishno Devi shrine in a day at 50,000.

The tribunal, in its order, said any pilgrims over that number will be asked to stop at either Ardhkumari or Katra

The NGT has also put on hold the new construction taking place inside the shrine complex.

The NGT had last year directed the CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to furnish a detailed report of solid waste and sewage treatment plants installed at the shrine complex.

The NGT had also asked for details of&nbsp;remedial measure taken to tackle the waste problem after a plea complained that a large amount of untreated solid and liquid waste generated by pilgrims, horses, ponies, and mules was being disposed directly into a bad-polluted Ganga&nbsp;river.

Vaishno Devi is a Hindu shrine located at Katra, Jammu and Kashmir in the Trikuta mountains.

Interestingly, the shrine was discovered by a local Kashmiri Muslim.&nbsp;

And for a long time&nbsp;he and his family looked after the shrine, until the government took over the shrine and the pilgrimage to it.&nbsp;

In other news, it was also reported the new path to Vaishno Devi exclusively for pedestrians and battery-operated cars will open from November 24.

The National Green Tribunal has also put a stop to the construction taking place within the shrine

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has capped the number of pilgrims who can visit the Vaishno Devi shrine in a day at 50,000. The tribunal, in its order, said any pilgrims over that number will be asked to stop at either Ardhkumari or Katra The NGT has also put on hold the new construction taking place inside the shrine complex. The NGT had last year directed the CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to furnish a detailed report of solid waste and sewage treatment plants installed at the shrine complex. The NGT had also asked for details of remedial measure taken to tackle the waste problem after a plea complained that a large amount of untreated solid and liquid waste generated by pilgrims, horses, ponies, and mules was being disposed directly into a bad-polluted Ganga river. Vaishno Devi is a Hindu shrine located at Katra, Jammu and Kashmir in the Trikuta mountains. Interestingly, the shrine was discovered by a local Kashmiri Muslim. And for a long time he and his family looked after the shrine, until the government took over the shrine and the pilgrimage to it. In other news, it was also reported the new path to Vaishno Devi exclusively for pedestrians and battery-operated cars will open from November 24.

Vaishno Devi: NGT says only 50,000 pilgrims a day can visit shrine

The Delhi government has filed an appeal in the National Green Tribunal seeking certain changes in NGTs previous directions.&nbsp;

The Tribunal will hear the plea tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Delhi Government files an appeal in the National Green Tribunal seeking certain changes in NGT&#39;s previous directions. Tribunal likely to hear the plea, tomorrow <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OddEven?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OddEven</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AirPollution?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AirPollution</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929992993062371328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

To reduce the pollution level, the Delhi government had ordered the implementation of the odd-even rationing of vehicles from today.

However, the decision was dropped by the Delhi government after the National Green Tribunal&#39;s(NGT) said none of the vehicles would be exempted.

The government had exempted women, government officials and two-wheelers from the rationing.

The government claimed&nbsp;that the exemption was&nbsp;done keeping in mind the security of women in the city.

Also, the two-wheelers were exempted because the city does not have enough bus services to support the increase in the passengers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Delhi government has filed an appeal in the National Green Tribunal seeking certain changes in NGTs previous directions. The Tribunal will hear the plea tomorrow. Delhi Government files an appeal in the National Green Tribunal seeking certain changes in NGT's previous directions. Tribunal likely to hear the plea, tomorrow #OddEven #AirPollution — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2017 × To reduce the pollution level, the Delhi government had ordered the implementation of the odd-even rationing of vehicles from today. However, the decision was dropped by the Delhi government after the National Green Tribunal's(NGT) said none of the vehicles would be exempted. The government had exempted women, government officials and two-wheelers from the rationing. The government claimed that the exemption was done keeping in mind the security of women in the city. Also, the two-wheelers were exempted because the city does not have enough bus services to support the increase in the passengers.

Delhi government files plea in NGT seeking changes in its previous directions

A day after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-smog-69-trains-delayed-22-recheduled-eight-cancelled-24069">Delhi government decided not to implement the odd-even</a> scheme for cars, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea seeking immediate measures to curb&nbsp;rising pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The CJI bench will hear the matter at the end of the board today.

The plea was filed by Supreme court lawyer&nbsp;RK Kapoor.&nbsp;The plea seeks to&nbsp;immediate action&nbsp;against stubble burning and construction dust.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal(NGT) hit out at the&nbsp;Delhi government saying whether the officials were only &quot;informing&quot;&nbsp;the media about the review petition on the odd-even scheme, as no review petition had been filed.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
NGT asks whether the Delhi government was only informing the media about a review petition on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OddEven?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OddEven</a> scheme since no review petition has been filed as yet.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929942001696436224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

NGT further said that the Delhi government had still not moved modification on NGT on the issue of odd-even vehicle number plates.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
NGT on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> Smog and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OddEven?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OddEven</a>: Delhi Government has still not moved modification application on NGT on the issue of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OddEven?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OddEven</a>. NGT observes &quot;govt approaching us or was its minister&#39;s statement for press only?&quot;
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929943445967290368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

On Sunday, the NGT had told the Delhi government to go ahead with the odd-even scheme but refused to exempt women and government vehicles. The Delhi government later decided not to go ahead with the scheme fearing safety&nbsp;for women.

Meanwhile, schools in Delhi reopened after being closed due to severe smog conditions, however, heavy smog continued unabated as Delhiites woke up on Monday morning.

(With inputs from ANI)

?The Supreme Court agrees to hear a fresh plea seeking immediate measures to curb?rising pollution in Delhi-NCR

A day after the Delhi government decided not to implement the odd-even scheme for cars, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a plea seeking immediate measures to curb rising pollution in Delhi-NCR. The CJI bench will hear the matter at the end of the board today. The plea was filed by Supreme court lawyer RK Kapoor. The plea seeks to immediate action against stubble burning and construction dust. Meanwhile, the National Green Tribunal(NGT) hit out at the Delhi government saying whether the officials were only "informing" the media about the review petition on the odd-even scheme, as no review petition had been filed. NGT asks whether the Delhi government was only informing the media about a review petition on the #OddEven scheme since no review petition has been filed as yet. — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2017 × NGT further said that the Delhi government had still not moved modification on NGT on the issue of odd-even vehicle number plates. NGT on #Delhi Smog and #OddEven: Delhi Government has still not moved modification application on NGT on the issue of #OddEven. NGT observes "govt approaching us or was its minister's statement for press only?" — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2017 × On Sunday, the NGT had told the Delhi government to go ahead with the odd-even scheme but refused to exempt women and government vehicles. The Delhi government later decided not to go ahead with the scheme fearing safety for women. Meanwhile, schools in Delhi reopened after being closed due to severe smog conditions, however, heavy smog continued unabated as Delhiites woke up on Monday morning. (With inputs from ANI)

Delhi smog: Supreme Court to hear plea on pollution today

The National Green Tribunal has given its nod to the odd-even scheme.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLASH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FLASH</a>: National Green Tribunal gives nod to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OddEven?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OddEven</a> scheme. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/zfL3204gh9">pic.twitter.com/zfL3204gh9</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929241977253642240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The scheme, as proposed by the Delhi government, will be rolled out on Monday.&nbsp;

During the scheme, cars with number plates ending with an odd number will be allowed to ply only on odd dates (1, 3, 5 etc). And vice-versa with cars with number plates ending with an even number.&nbsp;

While giving its nod, the NGT added that there would be no exemptions for two-wheelers, women, or government servants, as was the case the last time the scheme was rolled out.&nbsp;

Emergency vehicles however will be exempt.&nbsp;

The scheme, as proposed by the Delhi government, will be rolled out on Monday

The National Green Tribunal has given its nod to the odd-even scheme. #FLASH: National Green Tribunal gives nod to the #OddEven scheme. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/zfL3204gh9 — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2017 × The scheme, as proposed by the Delhi government, will be rolled out on Monday. During the scheme, cars with number plates ending with an odd number will be allowed to ply only on odd dates (1, 3, 5 etc). And vice-versa with cars with number plates ending with an even number. While giving its nod, the NGT added that there would be no exemptions for two-wheelers, women, or government servants, as was the case the last time the scheme was rolled out. Emergency vehicles however will be exempt.

Odd-even gets NGT nod; no exemptions for two-wheelers, women, govt servants

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) will decide today on whether the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme will return to smog-hit Delhi next week or not, the odd-even will implement only if its efficiency in curbing air toxicity is proved; Green court said while emphasing that Arvind Kejriwal government ignoring other pollution control measure, suggested by supreme court and NGT.

NGT also asked for a justification of exempting two-wheelers and women drivers during the odd-even scheme despite knowing that two-wheelers caused 46 percent pollution, as per an IIT Kanpur report.

However, Aam Aadmi Party has been strongly defending its government&#39;s decision to bring back the odd-even road-rationing scheme, saying vehicular pollution was the biggest source of ultrafine particulate matters.

The government was planning to implement the scheme, which would allow private passenger vehicle with license plate ending in odd and an even number to drive on alternate days, from 13 to 17 November.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Delhi government is also in talks with Pawan Hans Helicopter limited, for aerially sprinkling water in the city to settle the particulate matter.

The dense smog layer, which engulfed city since Tuesday, thinned considerably and level of pollutants dropped steadily in Delhi today, System of Air Quality And Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) forecasted that air quality may improve further.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The odd-even will implement only if its efficiency in curbing air toxicity is proved; Green court said while emphasing that Arvind Kejriwal government ignoring other pollution control measure, suggested by supreme court and NGT

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) will decide today on whether the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme will return to smog-hit Delhi next week or not, the odd-even will implement only if its efficiency in curbing air toxicity is proved; Green court said while emphasing that Arvind Kejriwal government ignoring other pollution control measure, suggested by supreme court and NGT. NGT also asked for a justification of exempting two-wheelers and women drivers during the odd-even scheme despite knowing that two-wheelers caused 46 percent pollution, as per an IIT Kanpur report. However, Aam Aadmi Party has been strongly defending its government's decision to bring back the odd-even road-rationing scheme, saying vehicular pollution was the biggest source of ultrafine particulate matters. The government was planning to implement the scheme, which would allow private passenger vehicle with license plate ending in odd and an even number to drive on alternate days, from 13 to 17 November. Meanwhile, the Delhi government is also in talks with Pawan Hans Helicopter limited, for aerially sprinkling water in the city to settle the particulate matter. The dense smog layer, which engulfed city since Tuesday, thinned considerably and level of pollutants dropped steadily in Delhi today, System of Air Quality And Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) forecasted that air quality may improve further.

National Green Tribunal to take decision on odd even today

The National Green Tribunal has asked the Delhi government to impose Rs one lakh fine on builders who violate its directives of halting construction work in the city.&nbsp;

The NGT has asked builders to stop&nbsp;construction work for few days to reduce the level of pollutants from the air.&nbsp;

It has also directed state governments to ensure that farmers are not burning crops.&nbsp;

The tribunal has said to charge a considerable&nbsp;amount of fine from the salary of the&nbsp;responsible officer if they continue to indulge in crop burning.

(With inputs from ANI)

NGT will put a fine of Rs 1 lakh on builders if they continue with Construction in Delhi

The National Green Tribunal has asked the Delhi government to impose Rs one lakh fine on builders who violate its directives of halting construction work in the city. The NGT has asked builders to stop construction work for few days to reduce the level of pollutants from the air. It has also directed state governments to ensure that farmers are not burning crops. The tribunal has said to charge a considerable amount of fine from the salary of the responsible officer if they continue to indulge in crop burning. (With inputs from ANI)

Delhi: NGT warns builders to fine Rs 1 lakh in case construction is reported

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) will hold a crucial hearing today on Delhi government&rsquo;s decision to implement the odd-even scheme to control traffic in view of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/delhis-anti-pollution-action-plan-stop-use-of-firewood-coal-in-eateries-6592">high level of pollutants</a> in the air.

The&nbsp;NGT has asked Delhi government on the rationale behind application of the car rationing scheme and&nbsp;produce before it the details of ambient air quality during earlier odd-even schemes.

It will hear the case at 2pm today.

On Thursday, Delhi Transport minister&nbsp;Kailash Gehlot had said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-government-set-to-enforce-odd-even-scheme-for-private-vehicles-next-week-report-23820">odd-even number scheme</a> for private vehicles will be implemented from November 13-17 in the national capital.

&quot;Request people and all agencies to cooperate. Exemptions will be the&nbsp;same as&nbsp;last time,&quot; the minister had said.

Women drivers, two-wheelers and vehicles carrying children in school uniforms, besides VVIPs will be kept out of the ambit of the scheme under which cars bearing registration numbers ending with odd digits are allowed to ply on odd dates while those ending with even digits run on even dates.

Earlier on Wednesday, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had directed the transport department to start preparing for the odd-even scheme.

Baijal had also ordered&nbsp;Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce a prohibition on open burning.

Meanwhile, a&nbsp;graph containing the hourly-levels of ultrafine particulates PM2.5 and PM10 showed a distinct downward curve from around 12pm for the first time since Tuesday when the concentration of these pollutants breached the emergency scale.

A task force of the CPCB, which met to review the measures taken under the Graded Response Action Plan, concluded that the level of pollution will come down to the &#39;very poor&#39; category on Saturday, two notches below the &#39;emergency category&#39; prevailing now.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) will hold a crucial hearing today on Delhi government?s decision to implement the odd-even scheme to control traffic in view of the high level of pollutants in the air.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) will hold a crucial hearing today on Delhi government’s decision to implement the odd-even scheme to control traffic in view of the high level of pollutants in the air. The NGT has asked Delhi government on the rationale behind application of the car rationing scheme and produce before it the details of ambient air quality during earlier odd-even schemes. It will hear the case at 2pm today. On Thursday, Delhi Transport minister Kailash Gehlot had said that the odd-even number scheme for private vehicles will be implemented from November 13-17 in the national capital. "Request people and all agencies to cooperate. Exemptions will be the same as last time," the minister had said. Women drivers, two-wheelers and vehicles carrying children in school uniforms, besides VVIPs will be kept out of the ambit of the scheme under which cars bearing registration numbers ending with odd digits are allowed to ply on odd dates while those ending with even digits run on even dates. Earlier on Wednesday, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had directed the transport department to start preparing for the odd-even scheme. Baijal had also ordered Municipal Corporations, DDA and SDMs to strictly enforce a prohibition on open burning. Meanwhile, a graph containing the hourly-levels of ultrafine particulates PM2.5 and PM10 showed a distinct downward curve from around 12pm for the first time since Tuesday when the concentration of these pollutants breached the emergency scale. A task force of the CPCB, which met to review the measures taken under the Graded Response Action Plan, concluded that the level of pollution will come down to the 'very poor' category on Saturday, two notches below the 'emergency category' prevailing now.

Tell us rationale behind launching odd-even scheme: NGT asks Delhi govt

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned the construction and industrial activities in Delhi-NCR till November 14, alarmed over the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-air-quality-hazardous-41-trains-delayed-23785">skyrocketing levels of air pollution in the city</a>.&nbsp;

The tribunal pulled up the Delhi Government, Municipal Corporations and neighbouring states, and asked them to see the &quot;pitiable condition&quot;&nbsp;of people in hospitals and the way their lives are being played with. 
 
&nbsp;&quot;It is shameful for all the parties in this matter on what they&#39;re passing on to the next generation,&quot; the tribunal observed.

&quot;The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report has shown the extent of danger lurking in the air in Delhi NCR. Yesterday Particulate Matter (PM) 10 levels, supposed to be 100, had touched 986, while the PM 2.5 levels, supposed to be 60, had reached 420. This has been the situation for the past week,&quot; the NGT said. 
 
&quot;Even construction work taking place openly isn&#39;t being stopped, and when such a situation has ensued now action is being promised,&quot; the tribunal added.

Industrial activities cannot be carried about in Delhi till the next hearing on November 14, the NGT said, while also directing all public authorities to depute an officer to monitor the polluting activities.

&quot;All the constitutional authorities and statutory bodies measurably failed to perform their duties. So far as pollution is the concern, it is a joint responsibility of all the stakeholders,&quot; the NGT said.

&quot;Articles 21 and 48 of the Constitution mandate that it is the responsibility of governments to make sure that citizens get a clean and conducive environment. The Right to Life is being snatched from people since they&#39;re not getting a clean environment,&quot; the tribunal observed.

The NGT has also prohibited trucks from outside or within Delhi from transporting any construction material. the tribunal has also banned 10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year-old&nbsp;petrol vehicles from entering the national capital.

The tribunal asked the Delhi Government on the steps taken to curtail pollution, the number of challans issued to violators and the number of construction sites where work has been stopped.&nbsp;It also directed the sprinkling of water where Particulate Matter (PM) 10 is found to be in excess of 600 micrograms per cubic metre. 
 
&quot;Why isn&#39;t rain artificially being triggered using helicopters,&quot; the tribunal asked.

The green tribunal also directed civic bodies to constitute teams to ensure there is no burning of waste in Delhi-NCR.&nbsp;

The NGT slammed the&nbsp;neighbouring states of Delhi -- Punjab and Haryana -- and raised questions on their seriousness on the prevailing situation. 
 
All pollution control boards of the concerned states have been asked to monitor all parameters.&nbsp; 
 
The NGT has asked all concerned authorities and pollution control boards to file a status report till the next date of hearing.

State governments should find economically viable solutions to crop burning: Kejriwal

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said today that crop burning would not stop until state governments found &quot;economically viable solutions&quot; to stop crop burning.

He also emphasised that crop burning would only stop if the central government along with the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana came together and &quot;put aside politics&quot;. &nbsp;

&quot;Until state governments don&#39;t find, it will not stop,&quot; Arvind Kejriwal said.

&quot;The high increase in PM levels in Delhi is not just due to local reasons. People and government of Delhi are ready to take all steps but these steps will not be enough until solution to crop burning is found,&quot; the Delhi chief minister said.

&quot;For a month (from mid October to mid November), the whole northern India becomes a gas chamber, not just Delhi,&quot; he added.

NHRC notice to Punjab, Haryana on crop burning

Meanwhile, alarmed over the &quot;life-threatening&quot;&nbsp;pollution in Delhi-National Capital Region, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also issued notices issued to the Centre and governments of Punjab and Haryana on their action plan to tackle the same.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yesterday, the National Green Tribunal had pulled up the Delhi government and the Central Pollution Control Board for not issuing orders to shut down construction and industrial activities in the capital despite the worsening air quality.

It also ordered Punjab, UP and Haryana governments to spell out the steps they have taken to prevent crop burning in the states adjacent to the national capital.

The green panel had directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to collect ambient air quality samples from different parts of the city and submit an analysis containing details of different pollutants, including particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and 10. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI, ANI) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

No trucks from outside or within Delhi will be permitted to transport any construction material, the NGT said.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned the construction and industrial activities in Delhi-NCR till November 14, alarmed over the skyrocketing levels of air pollution in the city. The tribunal pulled up the Delhi Government, Municipal Corporations and neighbouring states, and asked them to see the "pitiable condition" of people in hospitals and the way their lives are being played with. "It is shameful for all the parties in this matter on what they're passing on to the next generation," the tribunal observed. "The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report has shown the extent of danger lurking in the air in Delhi NCR. Yesterday Particulate Matter (PM) 10 levels, supposed to be 100, had touched 986, while the PM 2.5 levels, supposed to be 60, had reached 420. This has been the situation for the past week," the NGT said. "Even construction work taking place openly isn't being stopped, and when such a situation has ensued now action is being promised," the tribunal added. Industrial activities cannot be carried about in Delhi till the next hearing on November 14, the NGT said, while also directing all public authorities to depute an officer to monitor the polluting activities. "All the constitutional authorities and statutory bodies measurably failed to perform their duties. So far as pollution is the concern, it is a joint responsibility of all the stakeholders," the NGT said. "Articles 21 and 48 of the Constitution mandate that it is the responsibility of governments to make sure that citizens get a clean and conducive environment. The Right to Life is being snatched from people since they're not getting a clean environment," the tribunal observed. The NGT has also prohibited trucks from outside or within Delhi from transporting any construction material. the tribunal has also banned 10-year-old diesel vehicles and 15-year-old petrol vehicles from entering the national capital. The tribunal asked the Delhi Government on the steps taken to curtail pollution, the number of challans issued to violators and the number of construction sites where work has been stopped. It also directed the sprinkling of water where Particulate Matter (PM) 10 is found to be in excess of 600 micrograms per cubic metre. "Why isn't rain artificially being triggered using helicopters," the tribunal asked. The green tribunal also directed civic bodies to constitute teams to ensure there is no burning of waste in Delhi-NCR. The NGT slammed the neighbouring states of Delhi -- Punjab and Haryana -- and raised questions on their seriousness on the prevailing situation. All pollution control boards of the concerned states have been asked to monitor all parameters. The NGT has asked all concerned authorities and pollution control boards to file a status report till the next date of hearing. State governments should find economically viable solutions to crop burning: Kejriwal Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said today that crop burning would not stop until state governments found "economically viable solutions" to stop crop burning. He also emphasised that crop burning would only stop if the central government along with the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana came together and "put aside politics". "Until state governments don't find, it will not stop," Arvind Kejriwal said. "The high increase in PM levels in Delhi is not just due to local reasons. People and government of Delhi are ready to take all steps but these steps will not be enough until solution to crop burning is found," the Delhi chief minister said. "For a month (from mid October to mid November), the whole northern India becomes a gas chamber, not just Delhi," he added. NHRC notice to Punjab, Haryana on crop burning Meanwhile, alarmed over the "life-threatening" pollution in Delhi-National Capital Region, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also issued notices issued to the Centre and governments of Punjab and Haryana on their action plan to tackle the same. Yesterday, the National Green Tribunal had pulled up the Delhi government and the Central Pollution Control Board for not issuing orders to shut down construction and industrial activities in the capital despite the worsening air quality. It also ordered Punjab, UP and Haryana governments to spell out the steps they have taken to prevent crop burning in the states adjacent to the national capital. The green panel had directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to collect ambient air quality samples from different parts of the city and submit an analysis containing details of different pollutants, including particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and 10. (With inputs from PTI, ANI)

Delhi pollution: National Green Tribunal bans construction, industrial activities till November 14

The National Green Tribunal has directed the Delhi government, New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi Police to stop all kinds of protest and assembling of people at Jantar Mantar.

NGT&#39;s order has come&nbsp;to reduce the noise pollution at the Jantar Mantar road.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
NGT directs Delhi Govt, NDMC &amp; Delhi Police Commissioner to stop all protest, assembling of ppl, public speeches etc at Jantar Mantar road.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/915923926043078656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;NGT has ordered the NDMC to remove all makeshift structure, loud speakers, and public address system from the Jantar Mantar road.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
NDMC is directed to remove all make shifts structures, loud speakers&amp; public address system from the said stretch of Jantar Mantar road: NGT
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/915924406521692160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

?NGT has ordered the NDMC to remove all makeshift structure, loud speakers, and public address system from the Jantar Mantar road

The National Green Tribunal has directed the Delhi government, New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi Police to stop all kinds of protest and assembling of people at Jantar Mantar. NGT's order has come to reduce the noise pollution at the Jantar Mantar road. NGT directs Delhi Govt, NDMC & Delhi Police Commissioner to stop all protest, assembling of ppl, public speeches etc at Jantar Mantar road. — ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2017 × NGT has ordered the NDMC to remove all makeshift structure, loud speakers, and public address system from the Jantar Mantar road. NDMC is directed to remove all make shifts structures, loud speakers& public address system from the said stretch of Jantar Mantar road: NGT — ANI (@ANI) October 5, 2017 ×

Stop protest at Jantar Mantar: NGT

As the city&#39;s Bellandur lake continued to spew &#39;toxic froth&#39; raising concerns among residents in its vicinity, Karnataka Chief Minister today said the problem will be solved in one or two years.

Torrential rains that hit the city in the last few days has aggravated the situation with thick froth spilling on to the road nearby causing inconvenience to commuters driving along the stretch.

Videos showing cars being engulfed by a large pack of froth, purportedly taken near Bellandur lake, have now gone viral.

The residents nearby the lake are the worst hit with froth flying all over the area and strong stench emerging from the polluted water.

Residents who complain about coming in contact with toxic froth flying all around, have expressed fear about them developing a disease.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi about the frothing lakes in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the government is taking all necessary actions.

When pointed out about it being a long standing issue, he said &quot;it is there...It will be solved in one or two years.&quot;

&quot;The statement from Chief Minister has come at a time when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) today, reportedly, pulling up the state government regarding the pollution of the lake and asked it to submit a compliance report on its earlier direction, on August 22. Earlier banning dumping of any kind of waste near the Bellandur lake, NGT in April had directed shutdown of industries near the water body.

Torrential rains that hit the city in the last few days has aggravated the situation

As the city's Bellandur lake continued to spew 'toxic froth' raising concerns among residents in its vicinity, Karnataka Chief Minister today said the problem will be solved in one or two years. Torrential rains that hit the city in the last few days has aggravated the situation with thick froth spilling on to the road nearby causing inconvenience to commuters driving along the stretch. Videos showing cars being engulfed by a large pack of froth, purportedly taken near Bellandur lake, have now gone viral. The residents nearby the lake are the worst hit with froth flying all over the area and strong stench emerging from the polluted water. Residents who complain about coming in contact with toxic froth flying all around, have expressed fear about them developing a disease. Speaking to reporters in Delhi about the frothing lakes in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said the government is taking all necessary actions. When pointed out about it being a long standing issue, he said "it is there...It will be solved in one or two years." "The statement from Chief Minister has come at a time when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) today, reportedly, pulling up the state government regarding the pollution of the lake and asked it to submit a compliance report on its earlier direction, on August 22. Earlier banning dumping of any kind of waste near the Bellandur lake, NGT in April had directed shutdown of industries near the water body.

Bengaluru: Bellandur lake spews 'toxic froth', CM says problem will be solved in 1-2 years

The National Green Tribunal today issued notices to major waste generators in the city including 5-star hotels, malls, hospitals, educational institutions with hostels and housing societies which have not complied with Solid Waste Management Rules 2016.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar asked these defaulting bodies to reply within two weeks why they should not be asked to pay environment compensation of Rs 5 lakh for failing to properly manage and treat sewage.

The NGT issued notices to eight defaulting hotels and two hospitals in New Delhi Municipal Council, seven hotels, four malls, five hospitals, railway and bus stations in East Delhi Municipal Corporation besides many such institutions in North and South Delhi Municipal Corporation.

The NGT&#39;s order came after perusing an interim report submitted by a committee formed by it which has recommended action against defaulting bodies for improper management and treatment of sewage and lack of mechanism for recycling of waste.

The tribunal had constituted a committee comprising representatives of the ministries of Environment and Urban Development, Director General of Health Services, Medical Council of India, DDA, municipal corporations, the Delhi government, Central Pollution Control Board, railways and Delhi Pollution Control Committee.

The committee also comprises of four independent experts -- former NGT members G K Pandey and D K Agarwal, Dr R Dalwani and Dr Rashid Hasan.

It had directed the committee to inspect all five-star hotels, hospitals which have more than 200 beds, cooperative group housing societies with more than 300 flats, markets, shopping malls with built up area of more than 50,000 sq mts, colleges having hostel and accommodating of more than 500 students in entire Delhi.

The green panel had earlier directed the Delhi government to provide a list of all mass generators of waste while noting that the problem of waste generation is being faced by the entire country and urgent steps were needed to be taken without &quot;demur and default&quot;.

The green body had noted that Delhi generates nearly 14,100 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste per day and said that the mass generators of waste cannot be equated to a simple household generating trash.

(PTI) 
&nbsp;

The NGT's order came after perusing an interim report submitted by a committee formed by it

The National Green Tribunal today issued notices to major waste generators in the city including 5-star hotels, malls, hospitals, educational institutions with hostels and housing societies which have not complied with Solid Waste Management Rules 2016. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar asked these defaulting bodies to reply within two weeks why they should not be asked to pay environment compensation of Rs 5 lakh for failing to properly manage and treat sewage. The NGT issued notices to eight defaulting hotels and two hospitals in New Delhi Municipal Council, seven hotels, four malls, five hospitals, railway and bus stations in East Delhi Municipal Corporation besides many such institutions in North and South Delhi Municipal Corporation. The NGT's order came after perusing an interim report submitted by a committee formed by it which has recommended action against defaulting bodies for improper management and treatment of sewage and lack of mechanism for recycling of waste. The tribunal had constituted a committee comprising representatives of the ministries of Environment and Urban Development, Director General of Health Services, Medical Council of India, DDA, municipal corporations, the Delhi government, Central Pollution Control Board, railways and Delhi Pollution Control Committee. The committee also comprises of four independent experts -- former NGT members G K Pandey and D K Agarwal, Dr R Dalwani and Dr Rashid Hasan. It had directed the committee to inspect all five-star hotels, hospitals which have more than 200 beds, cooperative group housing societies with more than 300 flats, markets, shopping malls with built up area of more than 50,000 sq mts, colleges having hostel and accommodating of more than 500 students in entire Delhi. The green panel had earlier directed the Delhi government to provide a list of all mass generators of waste while noting that the problem of waste generation is being faced by the entire country and urgent steps were needed to be taken without "demur and default". The green body had noted that Delhi generates nearly 14,100 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste per day and said that the mass generators of waste cannot be equated to a simple household generating trash. (PTI)

NGT seeks response from Delhi's waste generators for non-treatment of sewage

The National Green Tribunal has issued notice to two public sector oil companies asking them whether they use any diesel vehicle which is more than 10-years-old, while allowing registration of new BS-IV compliant ones for transporting petrol or petroleum products.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar sought the response from Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and asked for their reply by January 9.

The direction came while hearing a batch of petitions filed by various contractors seeking registration of new BS-IV compliant diesel vehicles purchased for transport of petrol from company depots to identified petrol pumps in Delhi-NCR.

The contractors had moved NGT after the tribunal had last year passed an order banning the registration of new diesel vehicles as well as re-registration after 10 years.

Later, the Supreme Court had also banned registration of diesel-run SUVs and cars having engine capacity beyond 2000cc in Delhi and National Capital Region.

Due to this, the transport department was not registering the newly procured vehicles, which conform to BS-IV norms and not re-registering the old vehicles, the plea had said.

The green panel had last week directed the applicants to file an affidavit stating that they do not own any diesel vehicle which is more than 10-years old and the new vehicles will not be used for &quot;private purposes&quot;.

&quot;All these vehicles will be fitted with GPS system and log book shall be maintained. It will be certified that these vehicles are BS-IV compliant before the registering authority.

&quot;Upon being satisfied of the above, registering authority of transport department shall be permitted to register these vehicles in accordance with the law,&quot; the bench said.&nbsp;

(PTI)

A bench seeks to know whether Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum corporations use any diesel vehicle which is more than a decade old

The National Green Tribunal has issued notice to two public sector oil companies asking them whether they use any diesel vehicle which is more than 10-years-old, while allowing registration of new BS-IV compliant ones for transporting petrol or petroleum products. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar sought the response from Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and asked for their reply by January 9. The direction came while hearing a batch of petitions filed by various contractors seeking registration of new BS-IV compliant diesel vehicles purchased for transport of petrol from company depots to identified petrol pumps in Delhi-NCR. The contractors had moved NGT after the tribunal had last year passed an order banning the registration of new diesel vehicles as well as re-registration after 10 years. Later, the Supreme Court had also banned registration of diesel-run SUVs and cars having engine capacity beyond 2000cc in Delhi and National Capital Region. Due to this, the transport department was not registering the newly procured vehicles, which conform to BS-IV norms and not re-registering the old vehicles, the plea had said. The green panel had last week directed the applicants to file an affidavit stating that they do not own any diesel vehicle which is more than 10-years old and the new vehicles will not be used for "private purposes". "All these vehicles will be fitted with GPS system and log book shall be maintained. It will be certified that these vehicles are BS-IV compliant before the registering authority. "Upon being satisfied of the above, registering authority of transport department shall be permitted to register these vehicles in accordance with the law," the bench said. (PTI)

Air pollution: Tribunal issues notice to leading energy companies

India&#39;s top court today lifted a ban on the registration of new high-end diesel vehicles in the national capital, New Delhi after carmakers said they had been left stranded with thousands of unsold sport utility vehicles (SUVs). 
 
Car manufacturers would, however, have to pay a one per cent green tax to compensate for polluting the city&#39;s air, the Supreme Court said in its ruling which would impact vehicles with engine capacity of two litres or more, typical of SUVs, jeeps and other luxury cars. 
 
&quot;Deposit of one per cent levy alone shall entitle manufacturers or dealers and purchasers to have the car registered in Delhi,&quot; a bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur ruled.&nbsp;The court also said that it would decide at a later date on whether to impose the green tax on diesel vehicles with smaller engines. 
 
India&#39;s courts have been pushing authorities to act over the filthy air in Delhi, which has been rated as one of the world&#39;s most polluted cities in surveys. 
 
Last December, the Supreme Court temporarily banned the sale of large diesel cars in an attempt to clean up the capital&#39;s toxic air.&nbsp;More than 23 per cent of the cars on Delhi roads run on diesel, according to the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment think tank. 
 
Friday&#39;s verdict came after an appeal by auto giant Mercedes-Benz and an association of auto-makers who said the ban was impacting their sales adversely. 
 
Shares of Mahindra and Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki India ended the day higher following the latest ruling. 
 
It may also be recalled that India&#39;s environment court last month ordered all diesel vehicles older than 10 years be deregistered in the national capital.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>India&#39;s courts have been pushing authorities to act over the filthy air in Delhi, which has been rated as one of the world&#39;s most polluted cities in surveys.</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</div>
 
The national green tribunal (NGT) directed Delhi&#39;s regional transport office to cancel registrations immediately, after police complained of struggling to force the affected cars off the roads. 
 
Delhi&#39;s dangerous smog levels have been ranked &nbsp;as among the worst &nbsp;globally by the World Health Organization (WHO).&nbsp; 
 
The Delhi government has announced a string of measures including driving restrictions in January and in April that took around a million cars off the roads for two weeks. &nbsp;But with nearly 10 million vehicles on Delhi&#39;s roads, campaigners say much more needs to be done. 
 
A WHO study of 3,000 cities released in May placed Delhi in 11th position based on annual average concentration of PM2.5 particles.&nbsp;These particles, less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, are linked to higher rates of chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and heart disease as they settle deep in the lungs and can pass into the bloodstream. 
 
 
(AFP)&nbsp;

'Deposit of 1% levy alone shall entitle manufacturers or dealers and purchasers to have the car registered in Delhi,' the bench said

India's top court today lifted a ban on the registration of new high-end diesel vehicles in the national capital, New Delhi after carmakers said they had been left stranded with thousands of unsold sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Car manufacturers would, however, have to pay a one per cent green tax to compensate for polluting the city's air, the Supreme Court said in its ruling which would impact vehicles with engine capacity of two litres or more, typical of SUVs, jeeps and other luxury cars. "Deposit of one per cent levy alone shall entitle manufacturers or dealers and purchasers to have the car registered in Delhi," a bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur ruled. The court also said that it would decide at a later date on whether to impose the green tax on diesel vehicles with smaller engines. India's courts have been pushing authorities to act over the filthy air in Delhi, which has been rated as one of the world's most polluted cities in surveys. Last December, the Supreme Court temporarily banned the sale of large diesel cars in an attempt to clean up the capital's toxic air. More than 23 per cent of the cars on Delhi roads run on diesel, according to the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment think tank. Friday's verdict came after an appeal by auto giant Mercedes-Benz and an association of auto-makers who said the ban was impacting their sales adversely. Shares of Mahindra and Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki India ended the day higher following the latest ruling. It may also be recalled that India's environment court last month ordered all diesel vehicles older than 10 years be deregistered in the national capital. India's courts have been pushing authorities to act over the filthy air in Delhi, which has been rated as one of the world's most polluted cities in surveys. The national green tribunal (NGT) directed Delhi's regional transport office to cancel registrations immediately, after police complained of struggling to force the affected cars off the roads. Delhi's dangerous smog levels have been ranked as among the worst globally by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Delhi government has announced a string of measures including driving restrictions in January and in April that took around a million cars off the roads for two weeks. But with nearly 10 million vehicles on Delhi's roads, campaigners say much more needs to be done. A WHO study of 3,000 cities released in May placed Delhi in 11th position based on annual average concentration of PM2.5 particles. These particles, less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, are linked to higher rates of chronic bronchitis, lung cancer and heart disease as they settle deep in the lungs and can pass into the bloodstream. (AFP)

Top court grants reprieve to new, large diesel vehicles in India's national capital, but with 'green tax'

national-green-tribunal

National Green Tribunal, News on National Green Tribunal, stories on National Green Tribunal, articles on National Green Tribunal, National Green Tribunal stories at Wion, National Green Tribunal news, National Green Tribunal latest news

national green-tribunal