NGT to hear plea on loading, unloading of goods on July 13

The National Green Tribunal has fixed July 13 for hearing the plea of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) seeking modification of ban order on loading and unloading of goods in the capital between 11 AM and 8 PM.
A bench headed by Justice U D Salvi fixed the date after CAIT submitted suggestions to decongest the traffic in Chandni Chowk area in Delhi. It directed CAIT to furnish copies of the suggestions to the concerned parties and sought their reply.
The green panel had on March 16 directed that "in all the markets, particularly Lajpat Nagar, Karol Bagh, South Extension, Chandni Chowk and other densely polluted markets, the loading and unloading would not be allowed from 11 AM to 8 PM everyday".

"We have been informed that the copies of the application and suggestions put forth by the applicant have not been furnished to all counsel appearing for the parties in the present case. Let the copies be furnished and the matter be posted on July 13, 2015," the bench said.
During the hearing, CAIT filed suggestions stating that the loading and unloading of vehicles should be allowed only in a single lane to avoid inconvenience to common man.
"The tribunal may ban running of all commercial vehicles within Delhi during peak hours, i.E 8 AM to 11 AM and 5.30 PM to 8.30 PM.

"It may further direct that heavy goods vehicle (HGV) to be permitted to run within Delhi only between 9 PM and 8 AM," the suggestions, filed through advocate Shilpi Jain, said.

CAIT has also suggested that there should be no loading and unloading of vehicles between 8 AM to 8 PM with regard to inter-state vehicles which will result in reduction of pollution.
It has also sought complete ban on idle parking of trucks/ tempos and commercial vehicles in the crowded markets in the day time and better traffic management by Delhi Police with stringent provisions by way of fine and other penal provisions for violation of parking rules.

The traders' body has demanded construction of multi-level parkings in commercial areas in Delhi as their absence has made the traffic situation in these areas chaotic and also steps to improve the quality of fuels and engines of the vehicles.