NGT seeks govt reply on plea against 13 cement companies

The National Green Tribunal today took exception over the Centre's delay in filing reply on a plea alleging that cement companies were violating its orders on overloading of trucks and causing air pollution.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar which had issued notice to the Centre and 13 cement companies, made it clear that no further time will be granted to them for filing their response.
The matter is listed for next hearing on May 10.
NGT was hearing a plea by Delhi resident Neena Pradeep who alleged the cement makers were violating its order by overloading trucks with cement and clinker to save on toll tax.

Despite having their own private independent siding (low- speed track section) for dispatch of cement through railways, the cement manufacturers have been transporting it by road, the plea claimed.
The plea, filed through advocate Abhishek Vikram, claimed some cement companies were overloading trucks by as much as 200-250 per cent.
"Heavy vehicular pollution is caused in National Capital Region primarily by overloaded diesel trucks which are primarily used for transportation of cement and clinkers. That it is within the knowledge of this Tribunal that an estimated 80,000 trucks enter Delhi every night from 8 pm to 6 am.
"It is estimated that cement consumption in Delhi is around 4 lakh tonnes and that of NCR is around 10 lakh tonnes. In order to meet this requirement in a cost efficient manner, cement companies are transporting cement and clinkers by overloaded trucks. There is a clear lack of will...To comply with the provisions of MV Act and other applicable laws," the petition said.