New Delhi India January 15 ANI The National Green Tribunal NGT has said that Tamil Nadu needs to update its policy to control air pollution in Chennai city and its agglomeration area.
A NGT bench headed by chairperson Adarsh Kumar Goel said, While the CPCB and State Authorities need to take further action in pursuance of the action plans to enforce the air pollution control norms in Chennai and other parts of the State of Tamil Nadu, there is further need for source apportionment studies and updating of the action plan and the perspective plan for Chennai city. Further decisions may be required as per the directions of the Supreme Court, applicable for Delhi and National Capital Region, to the extent found relevant and violation for Tamil Nadu, according to the NGT.
The State needs to update its policy. Other activities to remedy air quality degradation may include policy with regard to usage of cleaner fuel, regulatory measures in the light of source apportionment and carrying capacity and controlling dust. There is also need for effective monitoring at the district level and the state level by the Steering Committee and Air Quality Monitoring Committee AQMC on regular basis, subject to overall progress being monitored at the National level under the National Clean Air Programme NCAP, according to the NGT.
The NGT had earlier directed the Principal Secretary, Transport, Government of Tamil Nadu to prepare a necessary action plan at the earliest, if not already done, and file the same before the Tribunal before the next date.
The bench noted that the issue of air pollution has been dealt with by the Tribunal in the context of the adequacy of the Clean Air programme of the Central Government for 124 cities 1 'non-attainment cities' where air quality exceeds standards, based on the data compiled by the CPCB. The Tribunal directed the creation of Air Quality Monitoring Committees AQMCs in all the States, including the State of Tamil Nadu, to prepare action plans to remedy the situation. The AQMC for Tamil Nadu can be consulted for the action plan for Chennai city and its agglomeration area.
The NGT direction came in an ongoing matter filed by petitioner L.G. Sahadevan is seeking remedial action to control air pollution in Chennai city and its agglomeration area.
The Plea stated that air quality in Chennai city is degraded due to increasing number of vehicles and population. One of the main sources of air pollution is vehicular emissions.