2015 comparatively a better year in terms of pollution: HC

Unlike the public perception, the pollution levels in the capital last year was not as bad as other years, Delhi High Court said today after analysing the scientific data filed by the state pollution control panel.
A bench comprising Justice Badar Durrez Ahmed and Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva after perusing the data filed by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) said the year 2015 was relatively a better year in terms of pollution index but it does not mean the situation was great.
"Conclusion of DPCC report seen and general impression one gets is that year 2015 was better from scientific point of view. But it doesn't mean the situation is not far from great as PM 2.5, PM 10, Nitrogen Dioxide and Benzene level was beyond the maximum prescribed," the bench said.

It also observed that high level of benzene and Nitrogen Dioxide in the air was on account of vehicular pollution.
The court was hearing a PIL initiated by it on its own on the issue of air pollution in the national capital.
The DPCC report filed by a scientist, Dr George, through advocate Sanjeev Ralli, indicated that during three periods - October to November, December to January and May to June, air pollution in the capital rose to very high levels.

The court after perusing the report queried which period is the best period for national capital, to which Ralli said that it was February-March when pollution level is in control.

The report further said that in October-November, the pollution level was at a higher level due to burning of biomass and crops in neighbouring states, while in December- January it was on account of temperature inversions and in May-June due to dust storms emanating from Rajasthan.
Delhi traffic police also filed a report in the court identifying 14 spots, congested junctions or corridors in Delhi, as extremely affected.
These spots include IIT Flyover to Panchsheel (Hauz Khas Metro Station), Gurgaon Road-Dhaula Kuan/RR Hospital, Ashram Chowk, Khanpur T-Point, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Mukarba Chowk, Uttam Nagar Chowk, Peera Garhi Chowk and Kamal T-Point.

The report of traffic police filed by DCP (traffic) Romil
Baaniya further said that priority during peak hours was regulation of traffic and not prosecution.
"In this regard, directions have been issued to the traffic personnel to avoid challaning of vehicles during the peak traffic hours as it not only leads to further congestion but also engages the available manpower on the field in prosecution process," the report said.
It said that a test-run of a new app-based scheme by the name Traffic Sentinel is being carried out, under which any person would be able to upload photograph/video of traffic violators.

The bench asked why the traffic police does not develop an app like Google Maps which shows traffic congestion or the shortest or alternate route to reach any destination.
"If Google can do it then why can't you do it? You should also develop an App under the Intelligent Traffic Management System, so that people get rid of the congestions or jams. In evening hours, it is just bumper to bumper driving which also contributes to pollution," the bench said.
The traffic police report also said that procurement of 50 mounted speed detection cameras for capturing overspeeding and 32 red light violations detection system to capture red light violations and stop line violation is being implemented.

It also said that procurement of 200 body-worn cameras was also in the process. These will be worn by traffic police personnel on duty and the cameras will ensure proper conduct and behaviour of policemen as well as public and bring in transparency.
The bench after perusing the report told the DCP (traffic) that it just wants the traffic police to do their job and that too speedily to show the results sooner.
The bench was also informed by the Delhi government that dismantling of BRT corridor was under process and will be completed by end of March.
On January 14, the High Court had directed the Centre, AAP government and other authorities to submit plans to bring the pollution levels within the prescribed limits.