NGT asks states, UTs to identify areas of less vehicle density

The National Green Tribunal today directed all states and Union Territories to identify areas with less vehicle density for plying of deregistered diesel cars which have been barred from running in the national capital region (NCR).
The tribunal had last year ordered the Delhi government to cancel the registration of all diesel-powered vehicles over 10 years old and barred them from plying.
It had then ordered that only de-registered diesel vehicles which are less than 15-years-old can get No Objection Certificate (NoC) for plying in select areas outside Delhi-NCR to be decided by states where vehicle density is less.
A bench headed by NGT Chief Justice Swatanter Kumar asked the states to expeditiously earmark areas where pollution and vehicle density is less so that deregistered vehicles can be driven at such places.

"The Supreme Court has not interfered in our order. Our order continues to be in force. The states were directed to identify areas where the dispersion of the air is higher and vehicular density is least. Why have they not done so," the bench asked while directing them to reply by January 30, the next date of hearing.
The green panel in July last year said that all the vehicles which are deregistered would not be permitted to ply in Delhi-NCR.

"However, the authorities will issue NOC for such vehicles to be registered outside the Delhi/NCR. We further clarify that in terms of the orders of the Tribunal, every state has to identify areas where the dispersion of the air is higher and vehicular density is least..And put them on the respective websites," it had said, adding that RTO, Delhi will issue NOC for transfer of these vehicles only for such areas which are identified by the states.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by a city-resident Anoop Bagai seeking directions to the transport department of Delhi government for issuance of NOC for registration of his vehicle outside the national capital.
In his plea, the petitioner has contended that he owns a Mercedes car which is over 10-years-old. Due to the prohibitory order passed by NGT, he sold his vehicle to a cutsomer in Gujarat, he added.
When the applicant applied for grant of NOC, the transport department of Delhi government at Sheikh Sarai here denied permission on the ground that no decision has been taken by the government on the issue due to non-clarity of orders passed by NGT, the plea said.

The tribunal, after taking note of his petition, directed the Delhi government to file reply on his plea.