Supreme Court Directs Ministries to Submit Proposal to Phase Out Coal Industries in Delhi-NCR

NCR. These notices will be considered served by the court, and the states must submit an “Action Taken Plan” summarising the feedback received. File Photo.

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Union ministries to respond to a proposal aimed at shifting all coal-based industries out of the Delhi-NCR region to improve air quality.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi said it will examine the issue of vehicular pollution on March 12, taking into account recommendations made by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The court also sought feedback from all stakeholders on measures suggested by the CAQM to address dust generated from construction and demolition activities.

The top court directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), and the Ministry of Power to provide responses regarding CAQM’s recommendation that no new coal-based thermal power plants be established within 300 km of Delhi.

Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan were instructed to issue public notices inviting suggestions and objections from stakeholders, including coal-based industries operating in the NCR. These notices will be considered served by the court, and the states must submit an “Action Taken Plan” summarising the feedback received.

The Bench also asked the three ministries to submit a joint proposal for phasing out coal-based industries in the NCR. This proposal should identify the industries affected and explore possible alternative fuel options. Additionally, the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD) was directed to present a specific action plan to implement the CAQM-recommended long-term measures.

All stakeholders are required to file their status reports and proposals before the next hearing scheduled for March 12.

Source: The Tribune