HC refers to NGT pleas against noise pollution at IGI airport

The Delhi High Court today referred to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) a batch of pleas alleging that noise created by aircrafts at the IGI airport is affecting health of the residents of nearby areas.
"Considering the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, the Environment Protection Rules and Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules as also the definition of noise pollutants given in the Air (Prevention and Control) of Pollution Act, it can hardly be disputed that these petitions involve a substantial question relating to environment...," a bench of Chief Justice D Murugesan and Justice V K Jain said.
"If the noise level in Vasant Kunj, Brijwasan and other areas in the vicinity of Terminal-III of IGI Airport exceeds the limits laid down in the schedule, that would be substantial question relating to environment and also amounts to violation of provisions of the Environment Protection Act.

"Thus, these petitions fulfil the twin requirements of section 14 of the NGT Act," the judges said.
The court's order came on the PILs filed by the residents of Vasant Kunj, Brijwasan and also the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), a super speciality hospital located in the area near the international airport.
The petitioners said the government should take necessary measures to mitigate noise pollution caused by aircraft.
Seeking quashing of the government clearance to DIAL for construction of a runway at the IGI airport, the residents and the ISIC alleged the noise created by the landing of planes disturbs the residents as well as the patients in the hospital which is violation of their fundamental rights of life and liberty.