NGT forms committee to find "safest" time for Delhitesto

The National Green Tribunal today directed constitution of a committee to take sample of ambient air quality from across Delhi city at different intervals and inform it about the safest period during which national capital residents can travel without risk to their health.
A bench, headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, also directed installation of air filters in colleges, courts, markets and other public places.
"We direct a team of Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, a scientist from MoEF and all state pollution control boards each to take sample of ambient air quality from entire NCT at different intervals of time.

"These samples shall be taken during peak hours including morning and evening. Complete data shall be prepared on such analysis and compared to national air quality standards", it said.
"This report shall state as to the safest period during which the persons of Delhi can move freely without any risk to their health," the bench said.
The bench also noted that though these directions may have an impact to a "limited extent" it will go a long way in improving ambient air quality standards and health of the people.

The Tribunal also directed the authorities to "expedite" the work of Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway and Eastern Peripheral Expressway to manage the congestion caused by vehicles which pass through the national capital.

The Tribunal had on November 26 banned plying of vehicles older than 15 years on the city roads.
On December 2, the Tribunal had held a meeting with stakeholders to devise modalities for implementation of its order banning plying of old vehicles and invited suggestions from various departments in this regard.