‘Study number of vehicles plying versus UT’s capacity’

CHANDIGARH: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the UT administration to formulate Graded Response Action Plan keeping in mind the excessive number of vehicles plying in the city.

Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) has informed the tribunal about the measures taken to mitigate air pollution in the city which includes controlling the pollution caused by the emissions from vehicles.

NGT chairperson Adarsh Goel said, “The tribunal came to know that air pollution was a serious cause of concern in the city.” He emphasized on the need to plan and execute remedial measures. Bench also gave directions to assess the number of vehicles plying in proportion to the capacity of the city and to devise an appropriate policy framework to deal with the situation.

While submitting its Air Pollution Control Action Plan, CPCC had informed NGT about the measures it had taken on this issue. “We have informed NGT that traffic lights have been synchronised in the city for smooth movement of traffic. Besides, this roads are also being improved. Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates are strictly checked and heavy penalties are imposed on not possessing or renewing the expired PUC certificates,” said member secretary of CPCC TC Nautiyal adding that battery-operated vehicles are being promoted by providing heavy subsidies.

Greening of open areas is being done to cut down the air pollution in the city. As per Air Pollution Control Action report, till date 5100 trees have been planted on the roads under MC’s jurisdiction. Both MC and horticulture department has come up with three years’ plan for covering remaining open areas, gardens, community places, schools and housing societies.

MC has also set a target to constitute special task force for regular checking and controlling of burning of solid waste. The officials said the horticulture waste collected from road berms will be handed over to horticulture division for preparing compost. To contain industrial pollution, CPCC and department of industries will give strict directions to the industries to shift to more cleaner fuels to reduce the emission levels.