NGT pulls up state transport authorities for not implementing CNG programs

It had in September asked the Haryana and Uttar Pradesh governments to consider installing CNG stations in NCR

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday warned transport authorities in Delhi's neighbouring states of halting activities if they did not implement CNG programs in their respective regions.

"I am being told that over 50 per cent of pollution in Delhi is caused by fine particulate matter which originates from neighbouring states. The air quality in Delhi is getting worse. You should take every measure to introduce CNG stations in your states," said NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar.

The NGT had in September asked the Haryana and Uttar Pradesh governments to consider installing CNG stations in the national capital region (NCR), while refusing to grant diesel vehicles over 10-years old from operating in the area.

The bench has directed senior officials from states of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, as well as representatives of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board to appear before it on October 19, the next date of hearing.